RGV Pride is returning with an all-in-person event at South Padre Island to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and be proud of living openly and authentically, the Valley AIDS Council announced Monday.
“But this year we cannot ignore the mounting attacks against our community,” the release stated. “Powerful people are bullying LGBTQ+ kids and threatening our rights — dozens of states have passed bills to silence and erase us”
June is Pride Month, which is celebrated each year to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, according to the Library of Congress. The purpose is also to recognize the impact that LGBTQ individuals have had on history locally, nationally and internationally.
On June 25, the event will take place at the Cameron County Amphitheater and Event Center.
The family friendly event will have more than 80 vendors and exhibitors, food trucks, beer gardens and a youth area.
Several festivities will take place, such as the second annual LGBTQ Health = PRIDE mini conference for professionals seeking continuing education credits, a private PRIDE beach, community social events and a “stellar” PRIDE festival, the release stated.
There will also be performances by Lizzie Astroga, Khris Abrion, Jay Sol, and God’s Echo, as well as dragtivists Jade Summers, Luna Karr and Aeon Mavis York.
For those 21 and older, the event will cost $10, which the release said is a PRIDE donation. Anyone younger than 21 is allowed to enter for free.
Previously, the event was known as “PRIDE in the PARK,” but was newly rebranded as “RGV PRIDE” aimed towards inclusion and healing as one.
“RGV PRIDE allows us to live out authentically, feel loved and supported by family and friends. Which is not the case for many LatinX queer individuals and as an openly gay Latino, I’m vested in my journey of dismantling the stigmas surrounding the LGBTQ+ Community and honored to bring this year’s PRIDE to life,” Steven Cano, from Valley AIDS Council and RGV PRIDE coordinator, said in the release.
For more information, to find the full schedule of events and to register for the professional development sessions, visit https://www.riograndevalleypride.org/
