SLC Pride: Transforming Pride
Organizers are calling the new SLC Pride a “new chapter of pride in the Salt Lake Valley … the first-ever hyperlocal, community-focused, radically-inclusive festival.” The event will be held at The Gateway Saturday, June 29 from 3 to 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“With our trans community being hit left and right in the legal arena, we chose to clap back this year by putting them in the center of our pride love fest,” organizers said in a statement. “With a theme of Transform Pride, we are highlighting this historically under-represented part of our community and asking them to showcase their talents.”
Two-thirds of the all-local performers at the Festival will have trans- or gender-non-conforming representation.
Local food artisans, artists, shops, and community groups will have tables at the event. Several panels will take place as well.
“We’ve worked hard this year to create a space where everyone can celebrate who they are,” the statement continued. “Never again will you have the chance to attend SLC Pride’s first festival, so gear up in whatever outfit makes you most feel at ease (gender exploration encouraged and celebrated) and come experience what we mean when we say hyperlocal, community-focused and radically-inclusive.”
Masks will be available at the gates. The grounds are wheelchair-friendly, and misting stations will be available to cool off. Noise-canceling headphones and kinetic sand will be available in a neurodivergent area.
The festivities kick off on Thursday, June 27th, with the GenderFuq Pride Kickoff Party at 110 S Rio Grande Street. Attendees can enjoy performances by Body Horror, Grace & Silence, FloatingRound, and Sleepy Moon Ray. The event will also showcase drag performances by Lux St. Diamond, Justin Secrecy, and Black Luscious, hosted by Sammee St. James and Mona Diet. This all-ages event will include a Queer Market, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Friday, June 28th, marks the 55th anniversary of Stonewall. The community is invited to remember and celebrate this pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history at The Locker Room and Club Verse.
The main festival begins on Saturday, June 29th, running from 3 to 10 p.m. at The Gateway. The celebration continues into the night with an after-party at The Locker Room and Club Verse.
Sunday, June 30th, features the second day of the festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Gateway. A special Trans-Pancake Breakfast on the Green will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. The location for the after-party will be announced closer to the date.
On Monday, July 1st, volunteers are encouraged to help with the post-event clean-up, although some may choose to rest or return to work.
SLC Pride’s mission is to celebrate the Queer community and its diversity, emphasizing visibility, belonging, support, and equity. The event aims to highlight the rich and complex tapestry of Queer identity, amplifying community voices through an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, and celebration.
The vision for SLC Pride is a community where all Queer people and their families thrive, where leading an authentic life is respected and valued, and where joy and empathy are commonplace. The organization aims to create a financially and environmentally sustainable event that is accessible to all, focusing on local artists, performers, organizations, activists, and politicians. Safety and minimizing trauma are top priorities, and the event is free for those under 18, with minimal costs for others.
Pride festivals serve as safe spaces for authenticity, community, and suicide prevention. Despite anti-LGBTQAI+ legislation, the community remains resilient. Donations and sponsorships are crucial to keep Pride financially accessible, covering essential costs such as stages and sanitation. Contributions can be made through the event’s 501(c)(3) financial sponsor, ICCJ, with donations earmarked for SLCPRIDE.
Organizers say by supporting SLC Pride, individuals can help ensure a weekend filled with love, community, and celebration for all
The entertainment lineup is here.
More information is available at slc-pride.org
