Richmond Pride hosted at Irvine McDowell Park

Jun. 6—Sierra Marling

This year, Richmond Pride expanded into Irvine McDowell Park, after outgrowing its original venue at Dreaming Creek Brewery.

According to the President of Richmond Pride's board, Chadwick Horn, the event went smoothly.

"This year went great. It was a hot day and everyone felt the heat, but everyone we interacted with seemed to have a good time. We were competing with a few other festivals on that day, but it was great to have the space at Irvine McDowell Park to grow into," he reported.

The event had over 100 vendors, a dozen food trucks, local live music, and over 30 entertainers. In addition, there was a high-profile lineup of speakers and VIPs, including Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Attorney General-hopeful Colonel Pam Stevenson, and authors Marta Miranda-Straub and Willie Edward Taylor Carver, Jr.

Even with other Pride festivities happening across the region, the park was still crowded.

Chelsea Elliott, the owner of Close Enough Creative, said she has been a vendor at Richmond Pride since the first year it was hosted at Dreaming Creek.

"I've watched it grow from an event planned in one week, taking up the lot of the brewery, to an event spilling over to the sidewalks in front of the brewery, to taking up the entirety of Irvine McDowell Park," she said.

Elliott commented on how well her booth performed as well as the diversity of the offerings, reporting that her "sales were great" and that the close-knit LBGTQIA community contributed to that.

"This past Saturday was great, despite it being so hot. The foot traffic was almost constant, and everyone I crossed paths with was so sweet. You didn't see a whole lot of similar products, which is something I worry about a lot as a person who creates and sells at markets. Plus, being able to showcase all sorts of talent is so important," she said.

She added, "I even had people who were seeking me out specifically. It's a strange feeling knowing that you're known, but I couldn't ask for a better community to be known by. I'm so thankful that I'm always welcome and asked about. It certainly makes me feel validated and like what I do is valuable and can bring happiness to anyone I meet at events."

Also at the event was the LGBTQ advocacy organization The Fairness Campaign.

Executive Director Chris Hartman also reported sunny skies at what he called "another incredible Pride Festival in Richmond"; however, he emphasized that "the importance of Pride is greater than ever before" after the passing of "the arguably worst anti-trans bill in the country having passed in Kentucky this year."

Horn also referenced the bills, stating, "This year it was important as ever due to the recent onslaught of hateful rhetoric and bills coming from Frankfort, especially with the passage of SB150. Trans lives of all ages matter, and no matter what this state does in those elected to represent everyone votes on, our community will not be silenced. Kentucky is better than what was represented in Frankfort this season. It's important for leaders to be brave enough to stand up for everyone in their community, not just those in the majority that directly benefit their own political agenda."

"All they've done is bring our community out — louder, prouder, more connected, and more activated than ever before, to fight for LGBTQ pride and rights," Hartman asserted.

The sentiment was echoed by attendees, who voiced their support of Pride.

Debra Bullins attended the event with her partner and child and expressed appreciation for the friendly atmosphere, which was not always the case in the past.

"This was my first pride event, and honestly, everyone was so kind and welcoming. I seen groups of people joining together and simply celebrating life. No judgments around, just simply love. It was a great experience, and I just hope that all the kids in today's time also gets to experience that," she said of the atmosphere. "Growing up in my era, being in a same-sex relationship wasn't easy. It wasn't accepted. I wish I would've had a pride event to go to and feel safe in a long time ago."

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Elliott believes that the LGBTQIA+ community shares a powerful bond, which is celebrated through Pride.

She said, "Pride month is such a special time of year. It faces its challenges, of course, but the bond that the queer community has is unbreakable. Being able to celebrate who you are and feeling liberated is something queer folks have fought for and deserve. I will always be a part of this event, and I'll do my best to help it continue to grow."