Enid Pride: A decade of progress and community visibility
by Sam Royka
Journalism Intern
A decade ago, when Enid Pride was first held, there were no small-town Pride Events. If rural people wanted to go, they would have to drive to in OKC or Tulsa to attend a Pride event. The distance to these events made it especially difficult for young people to attend Pride.
Jessa Lynni, an Enid Pride planning committee member, said Pride festivals serve as a necessary reminder that it’s okay to be yourself.
“We need Pride to inspire and support those who are just coming into themselves, those who have waited 20 years to come out, and those who are still afraid to share who they are,” said Lynni, who is also the director of the LGBT Teen and Young Adult Support Group.
Lynni went on to emphasize the importance of having a Pride celebration in Enid because many queer youths in the community experience discrimination and bullying.
“They need something to bring them hope that things will get better, and one day they won’t have to endure the bullying anymore. [Rural Pride] events give them hope that one day they will feel safe everywhere they go in their community,” Lynni said.
Increasing LGBTQ+ visibility and awareness in Enid is a top priority for this Pride team.
“Visibility is vital to progress,” said Enid Pride Co-director, Lisa Herald. “People are more likely to understand and accept when they see LGBTQ+ people as a visible part of society. It also serves to give hope to those in the community who struggle to find acceptance.”
Julian Pendergraft, Enid Pride co-director, said Pride is especially important to him because of his upbringing in foster care and religious environments in which he felt like he couldn’t express himself.
“If we could show youth there is a community for them if we are out and proud and make just a fraction of a difference in their lives, then that’s all that matters,” he said.
This event started as and has remained, a family-friendly event focusing on inclusion and unity, educating the public and working with local businesses to foster positive relationships within the community.
The 10th annual Enid Pride will be held in a different location this year. It is scheduled for September 21 from noon till 5 p.m. in downtown Enid on the Garfield County Courthouse lawn.
Last year’s Enid Pride was the largest on record, with new events, games, a scavenger hunt, and more vendors than ever before. Organizers expect this year to be even bigger.
Plans for this year’s Pride fundraising include a casino and game night from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 10 at the Old Ruth’s Christian Book Store in Oakwood Mall in Enid.
Enid Pride is also partnering with Gaslight Theatre for Broadway Backwards, a “genderbending” cabaret. There will be an after-Pride drag show as well on September 21. Special guests will include Drag King Shire Paige and many others.
Visit www.enidlgbtcoalition.org to find out about more upcoming events!
Copyright The Gayly. 8/20/2019 @ 10:05 a.m. CST.