The annual Laramie PrideFest began in 2017 and strives to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community in Wyoming, as well as recognize the importance of the 1969 Stonewall Riots.
Each year throughout Pride Week, which takes place during the last week of June, PrideFest events including a march and drag/burlesque shows are held for the Laramie public.
Events that have been held so far this week include the City Council Resolution, Queer Trivia, Make Your Own Pride Sign, Drag Storytime and Tales at the Taphouse.
Scholarship and Communications Coordinator for the Wyoming Community Foundation Daniel Galbreath, who has been a member of the Laramie PrideFest board for a few months, said that he is most looking forward to Saturday’s upcoming event, titled Pride in the Park. Galbreath focused on coordinating this event.
“This event is such a wonderful opportunity for the Laramie community to show its support for the LGBTQIA+ community, and for the LGBTQIA+ community to show its support for Laramie,” Galbreath said. “It’s a family-friendly event, and we warmly welcome any and all members of the community. There will be some amazing performers, tables where you can learn about the amazing work going on in the community, and of course food.”
Other upcoming events include PrideFest Karaoke on June 24, Virtual Contest Class and the Drag/Burlesque Show on June 25, Pride Proclamation and March on June 26 and Low-Sensory Crafting Circle on June 27.
Laramie resident Alix Hegy said that they will be attending the drag show on Friday.
“As of now this is the only one I can make because of work and family schedules, but I’m excited to have the opportunity to go,” Hegy said.
For the LGBTQIA+ community in Laramie, this town’s PrideFest carries a greater significance due to the murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998. The week will finish with a candlelight vigil dedicated to Shepard on June 27 at 7:30 pm.
Community members who wish to see memorials for Shepard during this time are encouraged to visit the “Hidden Figures for Social Justice” murals, which are located behind Speedgoat restaurant on Grand Avenue.
Hegy said that PrideFest is an important part of having a safe community for LGBTQIA+ members in Laramie.
“I think these events are super important in Laramie,” Hegy said. “Laramie is a small town and sometimes it can feel like you are very alone in the LGBTQIA+ community. Just knowing that there is a community of people that I can feel safe with is comforting even though I can’t make it to every event.”
“These events are important for two reasons,” Galbreath said. “First, Pride events carry on the tradition of Stonewall. They advocate strongly for LGBTQIA+ acceptance and rights. Second, they are a celebration of all that we’ve accomplished, of community, and, especially now, of togetherness and support.”
Galbreath said that he sees Laramie PrideFest getting bigger and better with each coming year.
“It’s not just for the LGBTQIA+ community – it’s a chance for all of Laramie to celebrate what an amazing town we live in, while showing our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and kindness,” Galbreath said. “I am confident that it will become more and more important for the city as a whole.”
Any readers who are interested in attending upcoming events should visit the Laramie PrideFest Facebook Page (@LaramiePrideFest) to stay up-to-date.
