State College Pride, a local celebration of the LGBTQA+ community, will return for its second annual edition on June 11, the Centre LGBTQ Support Network (CLSN) and State College Borough announced this week.
Similar to the inaugural event held in June 2021, the day will include a “Pride Ride” caravan and march through downtown followed by a party in Sidney Friedman Parklet, 241 S. Fraser St.
A kickoff “Gayla” will be held on June 10 and additional events will be announced.
“Pride is a time for our community to come together and celebrate our beautiful diversity,” CLSN founding member Tamar London said in a news release. “We want everyone to know that we see them, we respect them, and we treasure what makes each of us unique and special.”
After plans for State College’s first official Pride event in 2020 were derailed by COVID-19, the inaugural celebration last June drew hundreds of community members to take part in the caravan, enjoy music and art in the parklet and hear from several speakers.
Organizers said they were overwhelmed with requests from organizations that wanted to get involved, and so are now accepting sponsors for State College Pride 2022.
“Sponsoring Pride in State College is not only a meaningful way to reach residents by marching, tabling and advertising; sponsorship is a concrete way to demonstrate your organization’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging here in State College,” Pia Smal, CLSN founding member and co-chair, said.
Visit statecollegepride.org for information on sponsorship opportunities and schedule updates.
Proceeds from the event will benefit CLSN initiatives to support the local LGBTQA+ community, such as a community clothing closet, workshops, trainings and other resources.
“As a long-time LGBTQ resident and employee of the Borough of State College, I am so grateful for the efforts of CLSN,” Kevin Kassab, manager of community engagement for the borough, said. “I’m excited for Pride in 2022 and so proud to live in the State College community.”
