Upcoming ‘Pride Week’ includes family friendly events, ensuring ‘Everyone Belongs’

File photo shows guests at the "Discover Pride" event in St. George, Utah, Sept. 16, 2017 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Pride of Southern Utah wants everyone to know that they are uniquely important and valuable members of society, a belief that will be reflected in next week’s third annual weeklong pride celebration, themed “Everyone Belongs.”

“This year’s theme was chosen because in the current political and religious environment of perceived divisiveness, coupled with the high rate of suicide in our state, it is important to send out the message that everyone belongs … that you belong,” Stephen Lambert, director of Pride of Southern Utah, said in a news release. “Each of us has value. Each of us is needed in this world. Everyone is an important part of the fabric of society.”

“Pride Week” kicks off Sept. 17 with events planned each night of the week.

Planned activities include an invitation-only party for sponsors and donors Sept. 17, an LTBTQ film festival at The Electric Theater Sept. 18, “Pride Paint Nite” at Bout Time Pub & Grub Sept. 19 and a “Pride Picnic” in Cedar City’s Main Street Park Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

In this file photo, Tre’ Le’ Trach performs at the 8th annual “Equality Celebration” in St. George, Utah, May 19, 2018. Tre’ Le’ Trach will host a “Drag and Burlesque Show” during the upcoming “Pride Week” celebration in Southern Utah | Photo by Joseph Witham, St. George News

Back by popular demand, the “Drag and Burlesque Show” will be held Sept. 21 featuring local performers, including the return of Tre’ Le’ Trach as the host, at the Hilton Garden Inn in St. George.

The week will conclude with the featured “Pride Festival” event Sept. 22 from 3-10 p.m. at Vernon Worthen Park in downtown St. George. Festival attendees will be able to enjoy live entertainment from start to finish.

In addition, activities appropriate for all ages, including slack lines, face painting, drum circles, hair extensions and more, will take place between 3-7 p.m, courtesy of the Dixie LGBTQ Teen Alliance.

In keeping with the theme “Everyone Belongs,” organizers emphasize the importance of the festival being family friendly and creating an environment that is welcoming and fun for all of Southern Utah.

File photo shows rainbow balloons being released at “Discover Pride” event at Town Square Park, St. George, Utah, Sept. 16, 2017 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News

“Whether or not you identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, we invite and welcome you,” Pride of Southern Utah board member Linda Stay said in the news release.

Pride Week organizers say one way for Southern Utahns to publicly show their support for their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender neighbors is to arrange to have a 3-by-5-foot rainbow flag displayed in front of their residence or business during the week, which runs from Sunday through Sept. 23.

Project Rainbow volunteers will stake or hang the flags and pick them up at the conclusion of the weeklong event. The cost is $15 and all funds generated will be donated to Dixie State University’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Project Rainbow founder Lucas Horns said in a press release. Horns added that many area residents have already signed up and are excited to show the world that the St. George area welcomes and tolerates the LGBTQ community.

To reserve a rainbow flag to be displayed at your home or business, visit Project Rainbow’s website.

Also in connection with the upcoming festivities, Pride of Southern Utah is currently seeking volunteers and sponsors at all levels. Current sponsors of the festival include Cafe Soleil, Equality Utah, ARTS Inc., SUU Allies On Campus, Affogato West, The Falls Event Center, Festival Sounds and Xtreme Graphix.

For more information about donating, volunteering and full details of scheduled events, visit the Pride of Southern Utah website.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2018, all rights reserved.

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3 Comments

  • utahdiablo September 10, 2018 at 11:01 pm

    Ah..No..the only Flag I fly is the Stars and Stripes….yes we “all” matter, stop making Black, White, Brown, Red, Yellow or Rainbow a “special week”….We are all “One America” already and We already know that without endless weeks supporting one race, sex or sexual perference needing to be lifted above another.

  • ladybugavenger September 11, 2018 at 8:24 pm

    I think once you have kids you cant choose to all of a sudden be lgbtqrst. It goes against the whole lgbtqrst community. 2 males can’t make a baby. 2 females can’t make baby. It goes against nature. It’s like Bob being an atheist but not believing exactly what atheist believe.

    It’s all so confusing, isnt it.

  • AnotherReader September 13, 2018 at 6:33 am

    Not sure how “family friendly” and “Drag and Burlesque Show” go together.

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