By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
On the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn raids that sparked six days of riots in New York for gay rights, BGO Pride will be celebrating those hard fought for rights.
The annual BG Pride event will be held Saturday, June 28, from 12 to 5:30 p.m., in the Wooster Green. As always there will be music, performers, food trucks, local social service agencies, and businesses selling goods.
“It’s a family friendly event,” said Beca Rios, vice president of BGO Pride.
While the event is intended to give members of the LGBTQIA+ community a safe space to be themselves, it is also an opportunity for straight members of the community to show support.
“We really strive to give people a place where they can be their true authentic selves,” BGO Pride President Jordan Musgrave said, especially with the current political climate. “Things going on at the federal level are very scary. It’s important to be united as a community.”
Last year, 758 people attended the event. And this year, organizers are hoping for even more.
“We need the community to show up – to show a united front,” Rios said.
Event organizers have noticed a change in support from national corporations. While some still support BG Pride financially, they feel pressured to not have a presence at the event.
“It’s disheartening, but we persist,” Musgrave said. “We’re here, and we’re queer.”
There will be security at the free event, with entry to Wooster Green limited to the archway at the corner of West Wooster Street and South Church Street. The event will go on rain or shine.
Though the organizers are looking for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to attend, Musgrave said he views protesters as a sign that the BGO Pride message is getting out.
“That means we’re noticed and we’re visible,” he said. “It’s a good way to know we are making waves.”
The theme of the event will be the 1990s – with the music and performances reflecting that era.
“We want people to feel free to dress up in their favorite 90’s gear,” Rios said.
Nearly 60 vendors and non-profit organizations will be located at the event. Following are some of the activities and vendors planned for the event.
- Nine performers are scheduled, including a disc jockey and drag performers.
- Cornhole games.
- Face painting.
- Girl Scouts of America.
- Mobile health unit from Wood County Community Health Center.
- Local non-profits like Brown Bag Food Project, Cocoon, and La Conexion.
- Support groups like NAMI.
- Freddie and Frieda Falcon from BGSU.
- University of Toledo Health will be scheduling free HIV and STD testing.
- BG Council President Mark Hollenbaugh will read a proclamation from the city.
- Food trucks will include Johnny Burritos, and Pepper & Honey with some vegan options. Plus concessions will sell items like chips and candy.
- Vendors with artwork, jewelry, candles, bath & body items, and BGO Pride T-shirts.
- Raffle baskets donated by various businesses and organizations.
- 50/50 raffle.
“This is a great opportunity to learn resources in the community,” Rios said.
An after party is planned at Grumpy Dave’s, above EasyStreet Cafe. Doors open at 8 p.m., with a drag show at 9 p.m. Entry will be $5.
Sponsors for the BG Pride event donating $1,000 or more include Soundhouse Counseling, Visit BG, Blaire Dorsey and Tyler Chamberlain; and those donating between $500 and $1,000 include For Keeps, Busy Thimble, Meijer and Jake Hirzel.
