photo: Austin Young
Traditionally, Pride is observed in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots which began on June 28, 1969, but because Tucson summers are blazing hot, some local Pride events are scheduled for October. In fact, 2009 marks the thirty-second year that Tucson Pride, Inc. (TPI) hosts October events.
Their first event in 1977 was in response to the murder of Richard Heakin a year earlier. It brought people together, they gathered to commemorate his death, explains Ethan Cox of TPI. Heakin was attacked and killed while visiting Tucson, the incident was one of the first identified hate crimes in the area and sparked much debate.
It also sparked action. Pride On Parade, a street parade on October 9, and Pride In The Desert, a festival on October 10, are two positive outcomes. Both events offer a variety of entertainment and will also serve as volunteer opportunities, with TPI donating the money "earned" by volunteers to non-profit organizations selected by them.
"In the past TPI has generated $3,000 - $5,000 this way (and it) has gone back out into the community," says Cox.
Friday's parade features comedian Margaret Cho as the Celebrity Grand Marshal and local chorus Desert Voices as the Community Grand Marshal. Starting at 6pm, the parade travels from 2nd Street and 4th Avenue, south on 4th Avenue to WingSpan at 7th Street.
Saturday's all-day festival at Reid Park, 1100 S. Randolph Way, will feature new artists such as Ari Gold, Jonny McGovern and Adam Joseph, among many other performers on various stages. The event, which runs from 10am-8pm, also includes a food court, vendors, interactive displays and tons of activities! People 13 and over are $12 and children 5-12 are $5.
For more information call 622-3200, email pride@tucsonpride.org or visit www.TucsonPride.org.