Pride Month in SC: What to know about LGBTQ+ events in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson
Pride in the Upstate is here, filling the streets with vibrant colors and empowerment from members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
The celebration of Pride Month originated from the Stonewall riots, a landmark event in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, causing riots to erupt over the course of several days.
On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage throughout the nation, preventing state bans on such marriages. In December 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act, a law to protect and recognize same-sex and interracial marriages if the high court were to overturn the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision from 2015.
Pride Month continues to commemorate the progress made in the LGBTQ+ community and raise awareness for ongoing struggles. Check out some places and events where you can celebrate Pride Month in the Upstate.
Greenville Gay Men's Chorus
The Greenville Gay Men's Chorus, along with Columbia’s Midlands Men’s Chorus, will kick off Pride month with "Songs for Survival” on Friday, June 2 at First Baptist Church, Greenville. The 7 p.m. performance will be highlighted by “When We No Longer Touch: A Cycle of Songs for Survival” by Kristopher Jon Anthony. The event will bring awareness to the ongoing impact of HIV/AIDS within the LGBTQ+ community. AID Upstate will provide free, confidential HIV/AIDS testing at the concert.
Summer Kick Off Brunch
GasLight Lounge & Grill is kicking off Pride Month with an unforgettable drag brunch experience.
Hosted by Hellen Heels and featuring performances by Xamona Tenae, Novaria Angel, Sincere L'etoille and Xinaja Kouture, this electrifying performance is sure to take your breath away with its stunning visuals and incredible energy.
Three ticket options are available to purchase on their website:
General Admission: $10, Includes entry
Brunch Buffet: $30, Includes entry and buffet style brunch
VIP: $150, Includes entry for up to four guests, buffet style brunch, reserved seating, a bottle of champagne and an unforgettable drag performance by Hellen Heels and her team of performers
The Summer Kick Off Brunch will be held on June 4 at 11 a.m., located at 600 Keith Drive, in Greenville. You must be 21+ to attend this event.
Pride Neon Dance Party
Get ready to have an exciting and colorful night at Greenville's largest beer garden, Carolina Bauernhaus.
Carolina Bauernhaus is hosting a Pride Neon Dance Party on June 6, from 6 to 10 p.m. Come embrace the vibrant energy and dress in your most dazzling outfits for a memorable and liberating experience.
Tickets are available online or available to purchase at the door. Carolina Bauernhaus is located at 556 Perry Ave., in Greenville. You must be 18+ to attend this event.
The Pink Unicorn: Proud Mary Theater
The Proud Mary Theater is presenting a one-woman show on June 2. This show tells the story of a Christian widow in a conservative Southern town whose life is turned upside down when her daughter Jolene becomes "Jo", and starts a Gay-Straight Alliance chapter at their high school.
The performance will be held at the Market Theater, located at 110 Federal St. #6, in Anderson. The performance begins at 7 p.m., on June 2. Tickets are available for $20 and $17.50 for students and seniors.
The Proud Mary Theatre Company is a nonprofit and nonprofessional theater company, with a goal to serve as an advocate to the LGBTQ+ community in Spartanburg and the Upstate region. The theater's goal is to use the power of the Arts to showcase LGBTQ+ voices and stories.
Upstate Pride: Black Pride Week
Upstate Pride is hosting a week of activities and events for Pride Month. Check out the wide variety of events you can celebrate Pride Month.
Black Pride is a welcoming event that celebrates diversity and love for everyone, regardless of race, identity, orientation or gender.
Kick Off Pool Party: Soak up the sun and cool off in the pool in downtown Greenville while celebrating the start of Black Pride week at the Topside Pool Club. The event will be held on June 18 from 7 until 10 p.m., located at 600 S Main St., in Greenville. Tickets are available to purchase online.
Speed Dating/Friending Event: Get ready for an unique Speed Dating/Friending night and step outside of the typical hetero, dating norms. This event offers the opportunity to meet a variety of individuals, with the goal of forming new connections and friendships. This event will be held on June 22, location and time is to be determined.
Black Pride March & Festival: Join the festivity of Black Pride at the Black Pride March & Festival, the highlight event of the celebration. March with the crowd and enjoy the colorful parade filled with music, dance and art. This event is free for all participants, and will be held on June 24 from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Starting location of the march and festival will be located at Graham Plaza, 300 S. Main Street, in downtown Greenville.
The after party will take place after the festival, located at 701 Easley Bridge Road, Suite 6070, in Greenville from 9 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Tickets for the after party are available online.
Other events hosted by Upstate Pride for Black Pride week:
Pole Fitness Class with Sanctuary of Pole: June 20 from 6:30 PM until 7:30 PM and 7:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Located at 10 Webb Road, Unit 100, in Greenville. Limited to 6 people per class. Tickets are $10.
Upstate Black Pride in Business with Upstate LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce: June 21 from 6 PM until 9 PM, located at 147 Welborn St., Greenville. Tickets are $30 for non-chamber members and $20 for chamber members.
Celebrating God's Queer Children: A Community Worship Service of Pride: June 24 at 6:15 PM, located at 421 N. Main St., Greenville.
Sunday Drag Brunch: June 25 with showtimes at 11 AM and 2 PM. Event will be hosted at Ink & Ivy, located at 21 E Coffee St., in Greenville.
Pride Month Vendor Fair
Ciclops Brewery is honoring Pride Month by holding a Vendor Festival that showcases LGBTQ+ artists, on June 24. This event serves to recognize and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in the art world.
The event will be held at Ciclops Brewery, located at 197 E St John Street, in Spartanburg, from 1-5 p.m.
Bring the House Down Drag Show
Ciclops Brewery is ending Pride Month with an exciting, drag show event. Hosted by the fabulous, Erica Chanel, this is the perfect opportunity to cap off the exciting month of Pride. Prepare to be entertained by mesmerizing performances while enjoying delicious brews from Ciclops Brewery.
This event will be held at Ciclops Brewery, located at 197 E St John Street, in Spartanburg. It will take place on June 30, from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $10 and will be available to purchase at the door.
Joanna Johnson covers Spartanburg County food & dining and community news. Reach her via email at jjohnson@shj.com.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Pride Month in SC: What to know about Upstate LGBTQ+ events in June
