Don’t ask, don’t tell rescinded. Same-sex marriage legalized in New York. Vicci Martinez makes it big on “The Voice.” It’s been a heady year for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender folks.
Now, Tacoma and Pierce County’s LGBT community is set to celebrate with a new and bigger Pride festival. What was once a one-day “Out in the Park” celebration is now “Pride Every Day,” a 10-day celebration.
The kickoff began Thursday when a rainbow pride flag was raised over City Hall – the first time in Tacoma’s history.
Ryan Mello, Tacoma’s first openly gay city councilman, said the multitude of events, highlighted by Saturday’s Out in the Park, recognizes that “Everyone celebrates pride in different ways. A park festival may not be their thing.”
Rounding out the 10-day period is entertainment, a barbecue, films, a book event, a faith service, discussions and open houses.
Mello said the extended celebration reflects Tacoma’s reputation as being open and inviting for all people and all families. “I’m really proud of that,” Mello said. “There’s something for everyone.”
Out in the Park takes over a new space on Broadway between Ninth and 11th streets – the same footprint that the downtown farmers market uses. The move downtown reflects changes with Out in the Park and its sponsoring group, Out in Tacoma, which was absorbed by the Rainbow Center, Tacoma’s resource center for LGBT individuals.
The move “puts us right in the core of this 10 days of events,” said center director Michelle Douglas. The move also provides accessibility in an era with diminished Pierce Transit service.
The flag-raising Thursday reflects the increased support from the city of Tacoma, Douglas and Mello said. In addition, the city has installed rainbow ribbons on light poles and provided financial support for the event. Local businesses also have been supportive, Douglas said, with the event attracting many new sponsors, including the Carol Milgard Breast Center and MetMeds Pharmacy.
“What I’m seeing is this incredible crossover in communities,” Douglas said.
Saturday’s event is expected to draw 4,000 to 5,000 people with six hours of entertainment.
“There’s something for everyone there,” Douglas said. Vendors, artisans and resource booths will be present and it’s family focused, she said. “We run a pretty PG Pride.”
Entertainment headliners include Bodacious Ladyhood, Kayle and Hillary, Christina Brewer, Seven’s Revenge, and Mousai Studios.
The Rainbow Center’s administrator, Laura Brewer, said the straight community is encouraged to attend.
“I don’t think we’d be where we are as an LGTB community without our straight allies,” Brewer said.
Craig Sailor: 253-597-8541 craig.sailor@thenewstribune.com
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