Pride in the CLE is back in person this Saturday, June 4, with a post-pandemic festival, parade, entertainment, health and wellness village and “Speak Out Stage.”
The last in-person Pride in the CLE attracted 30,000 attendees in 2019. Organizers are expecting a big turn-out for this year’s events.
Pride isn’t just a one-day occurrence, however. As many have said, it’s a movement not a moment. June is Pride Month in America, commemorating the June 28, 1969, Stonewall Uprising in New York that launched the gay rights movement.
In the last 50+ years, the movement has grown to include a nationwide celebration in June. But Pride is more than just a party or opportunity to sell rainbow-flag merchandise. It’s a chance for the community and country to reflect on how far they have come, and the challenges that still remain towards the goal of full equity and inclusion.
In honor of Pride Month, Greater Cleveland Partnership would like to spotlight local LGBTQ+ businesses, leaders and events throughout June. And, we’d love your input. Email suggestions to [email protected]
But first, it’s time to celebrate. Here are a few highlights:
Flat Out Pride, Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4, Old River Road, Flats East Bank: Pre-party in the Flats with a night of music, food, drinks and entertainment, with special celebrity appearances, on June 3 from 7 p.m. — midnight. The party picks up again from 6–10 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds benefit the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.
“This is a Pride MARCH”: Stepping off at noon Saturday near Public Square.
Pride Festival, noon — 6 p.m. Saturday June 4, Malls B and C.: Includes street party, entertainment, food and merchandise vendors, health and wellness village, “Speak Out” stage and more.
Pride Martian 5K, Saturday, June 11: Sponsored by Platform Beer Co., the inaugural race will include prizes for best costumes. Platform will donate $5 from each case of Pride Martian sold throughout the state to LGBTQ+ causes. Register here.
2022 Cleveland Guardians Pride Night, June 25. Special ticket packages include limited-edition Guardians Pride t-shirt; portion of the proceeds from each ticket package will benefit the Plexus Education Fund. “While we seek to uplift the voices and experience of our LGBTQ+ community 365-days a year, we know that flagship events like Pride allow us to intentionally spotlight the collective stories of hope, struggle, and opportunity that make our city and team better,” said Cleveland Guardians Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Matt Grimes in a statement.
Resources
For more on Pride in the CLE events, see the official LGBT Community Center site.
Find more Pride information on Destination Cleveland’s event calendar.
For more on Plexus, Cleveland’s LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce, including how to become or search for members, see their site.
Are you a LQBTQ+ business owner? Does your business have special Pride Month initiatives and plans? Email [email protected]
