June is Pride Month and the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, an event in our home city of NYC that sparked the modern movement for LGBTQ rights.
Did you know that NY liquor laws and the mafia played a role?
In the 1960s, the NY State Liquor Authority refused to issue liquor licenses to gay bars. The mafia opened shoddy bars under the guise of private clubs and bribed local police to stay in operation. Frustrated patrons at Stonewall Inn fought back in 1969 after repeated raids and harassment by the police.
Explore Destinations Tied to Historic Marriage Equality Ruling
A lot has changed since 1969, especially with the 2015 Supreme Court case granting marriage equality. Obergefell vs. Hodges was the culmination of families in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Michigan fighting for civil rights.
See below for THREE entertaining and inspiring Pride events in their districts to showcase more of the towns where the movement has heart.
1. Cincinnati Pride (June 22, 2019)
History
The 3rd largest event in Cincinnati. Is in its 46th year and draws 100K+ people. Cincy loves its baseball, and the Pride Parade is larger than the Cincinnati Reds Parade. Marriage Equality plaintiff Jim Obergefell calls Cincinnati home.
Signature Elements
- Features a festival and parade and is completely FREE
- Has its own liquor license (Take that 1960s liquor authority!), ensuring that event has total control and that any profits go to support the community.
- Cincy has a big craft beer following, and the event features a PNC Beer Garden & Game Alley.
- Organizers recognize those struggling with sobriety and supported the launch of an organization to that effect. Unveiled a sober zone in 2018, and delicious mocktails are now available.
More to do Around Town
Shops and restaurants in historic Over-the-Rhine, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Art Museum.
2. Nashville Pride (June 22-23, 2019)
History
Has evolved over the last 31 years, with the last 6 showing dramatic growth, and attracts visitors from all over the South. Event has 100x the budget and impact versus a decade ago.
Signature Elements
- Features a festival and parade for $5 per day.
- 100 different music and entertainment acts.
- Launched a popular “Rainbow Stage” in 2018, featuring independent, local artists who are somewhere on the LGBTQ spectrum.
- The entire event is family friendly and a partner organization provides services and programming for teens.
More to do Around Town
Inclusive bars Rosemary, Pearl Diver, and Bar 208. LGBTQ bars Tribe, Play, and Canvas and Suzy Wong drag brunch/dinner on Church Street. Frist Art Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Broadway for live country music.
3. Kentuckiana Pride (June 14-15, 2019)
Signature Elements
- Features a parade and festival for $10 weekend pass.
- Hosted at a large open park along the river with amazing views of Louisville, KY. You can get a bird’s eye view of the action from the pedestrian bridge just outside the festival.
- There is an emphasis on connection, with services, support groups, new friends.
- Expanded focus on family activities with the Family Fun Zone.
Community
Louisville officials support the LGBTQ+ community and work with organizers to advance equality. The last several years, Louisville has achieved a score of 100 on the Humana Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index.
More to do Around Town
Highlands gayborhood venues along Bardstown Rd/Baxter Ave corridor, PLAY Louisville (nightclub/drag shows), Otter Creek Park (home to pride picnics in the 1980s), Whiskey Row on Main Street (site of original LGBTQ+ bars).
License to Drift - Why You Trippin? 