Medford Pride is back on Main Street
MEDFORD - For some, the holidays can be a drag, but this year Medford Pride on Main is giving the saying a whole new meaning returning with a line up of winter festivities for all residents to enjoy.
On Dec. 10, Medford Pride on Main is back in downtown Medford kicking things off with a holiday drag show at Studio 67 from 7 to 9 p.m.
The holiday drag show entitled "Holidays can be a drag" will be hosted by Medford native Joseph Blocker as drag queen persona Heavens 2 Betsy Stratton with performances by fellow drag queens Allison Wonderland and Franchesca Frose.
Blocker, who has been working with Medford Pride on Main since 2019 says working with the president of the nonprofit, Justin Gibbs, has been nothing short of a successful business venture in addition to expanding representation of the LGBTQ+ community locally.
"Justin pays on time or even in some cases, early, which is such a big thing in this industry. I'm glad to see the impact he's having in Medford and getting the support of local businesses especially on main street," said Blocker. "I went to school in Medford and not believing something like this would exist there, it's nice to see some representation and just some access in general."
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The BYOB 21+ event comes after Medford Pride on Main's brief hiatus since the summer and although tickets are now sold out, Gibbs says there will be plenty of opportunities from now and into the new year to celebrate the holiday season with the organization.
"There's always so much happening from November through January that it's such a stressful time that nobody really stops to have fun so I said you know, I think the drag shows will really be a good time," said Gibbs.
For those who weren't able to snag tickets to December's holiday event, Besty Stratton will be back with Medford Pride on Main January 15, for a winter edition of virtual drag story time.
All ages are welcome to join the one-hour virtual event full of classic winter-friendly stories, dancing, and music. Tickets are $10 per link and is a donation to keep Medford Pride alive and bringing more events and fun supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Medford. The donation of $10 will get you a Zoom link to story time that will be sent out prior to the morning of story time.
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On February 4, Medford Pride on Main and Betsy Stratton will be back at Studio 67 with a Valentine's Day 2000's-themed pop drag show. While tickets are not available yet, Gibbs encourages residents to follow Medford Pride on Main Instagram and Facebook for up-to-date announcements on upcoming events.
Pride Nights are also up and running in partnership with Medford Pride on Main and Starbucks.
The Starbucks located on 513 RT 541 in Medford hosts Pride Nights once a month for LGBTQ+ middle school and high school students and allies. Pride Nights are of free admission with games and community that encourages creative expression.
"You can go, hang out, get drinks, get coffee, play board games, it's just one of those safe spaces and come hang out no pressure kind of thing," said Gibbs.
To further support Medford Pride on Main's community outreach, the organization now has free safe space stickers made by Zehn Designs for local businesses who don't have Pride flags but support the organization. Leftover stickers will be available for purchase of a $5 donation to Medford Pride on Main at Zehn Design's space located at The Shoppes at Medford Mill.
For those who are interested in furthering the mission of Medford Pride on Main, Gibbs says he is always looking for volunteers and vendors. All inquiries about ways residents or businesses can be of support can be sent to JustinGibbs@medfordprideonmain.com.
Tickets for the Jan.15 virtual drag story time in addition to all other information on Medford Pride on Main can be found here.
This article originally appeared on Burlington County Times: Medford Pride on Main returns with holiday festivities
