Though the halfway mark of Pride Month 2022 approaches, there is still an array of events one can attend to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community in Raleigh. The LGBT Center of Raleigh has created an online calendar to find and register for such festivities. Out! Raleigh Pride 2022, the most prominent event, will be held on June 25 on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Out! Raleigh Pride. There will be a variety of entertainment and over 100 vendors to be visited on the day. The event has activities for all ages including a children’s area, a tween/teen space, a low sensory zone, a VIP tent and more.
There are other activities and events leading up to this day that can be enjoyed in the meantime. Some highlights include the Queer Life Initiative’s game night at the Blount Street Community Engagement Center on June 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the LGBT Center of Raleigh’s “Balanced Minds Balanced Bodies” Zoom workshop from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.. All registration for events can be found on the calendar.
Additionally, there are other events not listed on the calendar that one can attend. The “Pride Market + Drag Show” presented by Hartwell on June 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.This occasion will feature local craftsmen and vendors who will donate a portion of their proceeds to the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Furthermore, the Drag show will start at 2 p.m. Though entrance is free, a $10 donation is suggested at the entrance.
Finally, the Raleigh PrideFest will be held from June 22-26 at a multitude of destinations with many activities to partake in. The Festival starts with the “City of Raleigh LGBTQIA+ Historic Context Study Drop-in'' at the CAM Museum at 6:30 p.m. on June 22 followed by the “Too Wong Foo Film Screening” at 8:00 p.m. in Moore Square Park on June 23. To end the event, there will be a “Sunday Funday” at Cortez Seafood and Cocktails at 4:00 p.m. on June 26.
Once again, these are only a few events and highlights to be aware of. There are many other ways to become involved and activities to join in on, many of which can be found on the Raleigh Pride Instagram page.
By Shae-Lynn Henderson, Staff Writer