Tulsa Pride: Come one, come all

by Sara Ritsch
Staff Writer

Pride is more than a series of events. Pride is a movement. Tulsa celebrates what keeps their LGBT community in motion every year with the longest running LGBT Pride Fest in Oklahoma, making 2016 their 33rd annual Pride.

“Pride is about so many things,” Sarah Miller, Tulsa Pride Director for Oklahomans for Equality, says. “Pride is a celebration of how far we have come...often a reminder of how far we still have to go. Pride is a reward for the hard work and a motivator to continue working.”

2016 brings the RainGLOW Run to Tulsa, kicking off Pride weekend on June 3. The one-mile Glow Run goes along a certified course through downtown, starting then ending at the Equality Center for a block party. There will be glow sticks and rainbow glow in the dark paint, and all entries come with a glow in the dark race shirt.

Get ready for live music and drinks at the block party – Miller says, “It’s going to be an event for the books!”

The 17th annual festival and parade land on Saturday, June 4. March for LGBT rights and remember those who have given their lives for equality around the globe, as expressed on the Facebook event.

Tulsans immensely enjoy that first moment when the parade enters the festival grounds. The parade continues on to the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, giving them a special time to show off what a diverse and welcoming center Oklahomans for Equality has helped to put together.

“We will party in the streets in front of the Equality Center from Noon until 9,” Miller says. “With music, drag performances, food and fun, there’s something for everyone.”

Each moment is another way to educate guests about services provided at the center. But the fun doesn’t start or stop with the facts – it’s the conglomeration of festivities that keep people coming back for more. 33 years of Pride is a true testament to Tulsa’s dedication to the movement.

“There is nothing like standing in the street with 25,000 other people who are all in sync, in unison, in agreement. It’s a powerful feeling,” Miller says. “I am very lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of that feeling.”

Jackie Beat will be taking the main stage this year, courtesy of Area 18. The events will feature vendors, food, entertainment and anything else Pride has to offer.

Tulsa Pride weekend will close on Sunday with the Picnic in the Park at Centennial Park. “Bring your ice chests, football, Frisbees and pups,” Miller continues. “This is the day to relax and enjoy the weather with friends and family.”

Tulsa doesn’t disappoint - they celebrate. So party on, Tulsa!

Tulsa Pride events:

Friday, June 3 - RainGLOW Run at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

Saturday, June 4, 12 to 9 p.m. - Festival and Parade (Parade at 6 p.m.) at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

Sunday, June 5 - Picnic in the Park at Centennial Park (6th and Peoria St.)

Copyright The Gayly – May 31, 2016 @ 2:35 p.m.