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Parade to Pridefest
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ rights at Perry Square
June 14, 2023 at 7:00 AM
Frank Strumila
Erie's Pridefest 2023 is brought to life through the tireless work of the NWPA Pride Alliance and will feature a colorful parade, vendors, and performers throughout the day on Saturday, June 24.
SATURDAY, JUN. 24
Celebrate love in all its colorful forms this June and show your pride and alliance with LGBTQIA+ family and friends. Friends and allies gather at 11th and State streets at 11 a.m. and begin marching to Perry Square at noon, where there will be information tables, vendors, drag performances, and more on the main stage. The NWPA Pride Alliance march welcomes all who would like to walk and does not require registration. Spectators can cheer from State Street before making their way to Perry Square.
Adagio Health will be offering a health and wellness zone. Central Outreach Erie and PA Thrive will be providing HIV and STI testing as well as other health services to all ages, free of charge.
The origins of Pride started June 28, 1970, one year after the raid of Manhattan's Stonewall Inn. Sparking what we consider the beginning of Pride, thousands of LGBTQIA+ people and their allies gathered for marches in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to honor Stonewall and demonstrate for equal rights. Prior to the events of Stonewall, decades of queer activism and organizing had already been taking place around the world.
Pride traditions were adapted from the "Reminder Day Pickets" held annually on July 4 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. It is no wonder the energy of Pride month kindles a deep sense of honor and respect amongst participants. To this day, the queer community continues to advocate for equal rights, safety, to be who they are, and to love without gender boundaries.
It is a breath of fresh air to see Pride now being celebrated not only in just large cities, but in almost every city and town across the globe, including our own beloved Erie.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. // Parade begins at 11th and State St., concludes at Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // For more info: nwpapride.org