June 1st marks the beginning of Pride Month, an annual celebration of LGBT+ identities.
While celebrations last all month and into the rest of the year, most events are characterized as marches and parades. Historically, these began following the 1969 Stonewall Riots: a series of protests in New York City resulting from gay bars being consistently raided by police. These first marches were held in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, but today, they occur internationally.
Here in Moscow, we’ll be looking a few months into the future for the city’s Pride, which will take place on August 24th, 2024. In the meantime, a variety of events can be found over the next few weeks in the Palouse.
Pullman will celebrate its first-ever Pride on June 1st, 2024, commemorating the historical event by throwing a city-wide festival with local vendors, music, and artists. The festivities begin downtown at 10 am and span throughout the day.
Also on June 1st is Coeur d’Alene’s annual Pride, hosted by North Idaho Pride Alliance. Located in City Park, the event will go from 10 am-3 pm and feature many vendors, food trucks, and performers.
The following week on June 8th will see Spokane’s Pride event, an all-day celebration that begins with a parade throughout downtown at 12 pm, and a festival in Riverfront Park from 1-6 pm.
Another community that will be hosting its first-ever Pride is Bonners Ferry, going all out with a three-day long event June 21st-23rd. Held at the Historic Pearl Theater, commemorations include a movie night, poetry readings, and a keynote speaker.
With no lack of local ceremonies and first-time Pride celebrations for several towns, June 2024 is set to be both proud and historical.