“Free to Love” at OKC Pride 2016

by Michael Clark
OKC Pride President

OKC Pride 2016’s theme is “Free to Love” and everyone will find something to love about our celebration. Pride represents the diversity of our community, so we are working hard to show everyone how much we have to offer. This is our 29th year of celebrating Pride in Oklahoma City and we expect more than 75,000 people this year. We have a full week of exciting events planned for the biggest OKC Pride weekend ever, June 24-26.

Safety and Security: Please join us for OKC Pride 2016 to show Oklahoma and the world that we will not cave to hatred and are proud of who we are. We will have private security on site and are partnering with the Oklahoma Police Department and Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office to ensure a safe and secure event for everyone.

Entertainment: The Main Stage will feature the Equality Concert on Friday evening with tremendous new opening acts and the world premiere of The First Ladies of Disco Show (see feature, page 1).  

Saturday’s main stage entertainment features some of the best in local singers, bands, comedians, poets and a live presentation of The King of Queen, an amazing musical show about a transgendered youth dealing with life and featuring the music of Queen. The night will end with local bands, DJ’s and a special international recording artist. “Something For Everyone” is the theme of the OKC Pride Saturday main stage from noon until midnight.

OKC Pride’s Sunday entertainment has traditionally featured some of the best in local drag performers. Look for state, national and international title-holders to do some of their best numbers, as well as local singing talent to get the crowd pumped up for the OKC Pride Parade. Following the parade, the Sunday stage will feature a dance party with the 39th Street Strip’s own DJ Shaun Kamiko until 10 p.m.

Shopping: The Pride Arts Festival will have dozens of local artists displaying their work for sale. Non-profit groups will have booths to let you know all they have to offer. We also expect nearly one hundred different retail vendors with a little bit of everything to choose from, including a plethora of rainbow paraphernalia. Additionally, fun games, raffles and drawing, giveaways and gifts are a big part of many displays.

Food & Drinks: Food trucks are some of the most popular vendors at Pride. The food court will again be set up in the Angle’s parking lot with a tremendous diversity of food selections, including everything from traditional fair food to some gourmet food. There will be something for every taste.

Our expanded Beer Garden will offer great beer selections in a shaded area with seating. Staffed by local non-profit organizations, including Other Options, Great Plains Rodeo Association, AIDS Walk OKC, KINK, Trans-Visibility, Sooner Softball League, Lesbians OKC and more, all tips go to support those causes. This year, the Beer Garden will also feature entertainment and beer pong tournaments.

Family: OKC Pride is an all-ages event. We want families and children to know that they are welcome and encouraged to attend. OKC Pride 2016 will feature a special Pride Family Fun Zone with inflatables, games and booths specifically for parents and children from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. There will be a special Mom-Hug brigade ready to help everyone feel welcome and appreciated and our third annual Love is Love mass-wedding ceremony on the Pride main stage is Saturday at 5 p.m.

Parade: The highlight of each year’s festivities is the annual Pride Parade. This year’s parade falls on the one-year anniversary of the Obergefell marriage equality decision, so the theme “Free to Love” seems ideal.

The largest Pride Parade ever will travel down NW 39th Street from Classen to Youngs at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Expect a fabulous assortment of floats, vehicles and walking groups all celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ community.

OKC Pride Grand Marshal this year is a pioneer of the “Gayborhood,” Lee Burris. Come out and cheer him on as we all celebrate the tremendous strides we have made, while recognizing that we still have a long way to go to ensure everyone can be accepted for who they are.

Get Involved: You still have time to get involved. We need hundreds of volunteers and are still working hard to raise funds. No matter how you would like to be involved, go to www.OKCPride.org and sign up today. OKC Pride only works when everyone is involved, so please join us and show your PRIDE!

The Gayly – June 14, 2016 @ 2 p.m.