TahlEquality hosts Gay Pride River Fest

The second annual Gay Pride River Fest began Friday evening at Sparrow Hawk Camp.

The event was organized by TahlEquality, a local nonprofit that provides support and outreach to the LGBTQ2 – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, two-spirited – community.

Attendees had set up camp while waiting for the weekend’s entertainment to begin. Underhill River Side, a band that played at last year’s event, started off the evening.

“We support any cause that brings people together to have fun. It’s good for the local economy,” said Jacob Birdtail, lead guitar player for Underhill River Side.

After dark, and before rain settled in, a drag show started. Inertia Dior performed for the last night as Miss TahlEquality. A dozen performers were expected to compete for the 2015 title on Saturday.

The ticket price for the event included a camp site, entertainment, and a 6-mile float. Two food trucks were set up, with a beer booth near the stage.

The event was for all ages and was pet friendly. Organizers expected to have 150 attendees throughout the weekend. Sparrow Hawk had opened an additional bathroom for the weekend.

“They have gotten a lot of flack for hosting this. They really stepped out of their comfort zone,” said Carden Crow, TahlEquality founder, about Gene and Tamie Ellis, owners of Sparrow Hawk. “They have one of the first third-gender bathrooms in Tahlequah and have just been really supportive of the community.”

TahlEquality has also hosted Gay Pride Picnics the past two years.

By staff writer. Copyright 2015 Tahlequah Daily Press, Tahlequah, OK. Provided by AP Exchange.

The Gayly – September 21, 2015 @ 12pm.