Celebrate Pride Month this June with a variety of festivities in the High Country
June is LGBT Pride Month, a time to celebrate and commemorate the lives, accomplishments, and history of the members of the LGBTQ+ community. In the United States, this month-long celebration has been held in June each year since the first Pride parade in 1969 following the conclusion of the Stonewall Riots in New York City, and the celebration has only grown across the country over the decades.
There are plenty of ways to celebrate Pride Month right here in the High Country. (BRP) is an organization in western North Carolina that seeks to support the local LGBTQ+ community. According to the organization’s website, their mission is to “promote equality, safety, and quality of life for western North Carolina’s LGBTQ and allied communities, working as a united community through advocacy, celebration, education and service.” The organization supports and serves 23 western North Carolina counties including Avery and Watauga Counties.
BRP also maintains a full community event calendar on their website, which features Pride events throughout western North Carolina ranging from performances of the in Brevard to stand-up comedy nights in Asheville to the annual in Hendersonville.
High Country Pride is another organization supporting the LGBTQ+ community just down the mountain from Lees-91探花 in Boone. This year, High Country Pride will be partnering with the to host a pride march and rally in Boone. The festivities will be held from 1−5 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, and allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community are invited to meet at 130 Poplar Grove Connector for a celebration march along King St.
Participants are encouraged to bring their flags, posters, and voices to celebrate this special month. Following the march, a rally, festival, and music will be held at Lost Province Brewery in downtown Boone.
In addition to participating in fun events, celebrating Pride Month can also come in the form of donating time or money to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the community. BRP offers ample opportunities and has a quick and easy sign-up form on their website. They also accept donations via cash, check, and .
This June, celebrate Pride Month by getting involved in your community, whether that be through volunteering, donating, or spending time with those around you and enjoying the friendship and support that can be found in the local LGBTQ+ community.
