Tri-Cities gay Pride Festival was canceled. But something new is in the works
A new event will take place in lieu of the canceled Tri-Cities Pride Festival.
Political action committee Rural Americans United (RAU) is planning a one-time festival for members of the gay pride and LGBTQIA+ communities in Tri-Cities.
“With the growing attacks on the LGBT+ community, increasing violence against the LGBT+ community, and silence from community leaders thereby giving tacit approval to this hate, it was more important than ever to remind everyone that the LGBT community is strong and hate has no place in our communities,” said Doug White, CEO of RAU and former 4th District congressional candidate.
Members of his group met with Tri-Cities Pride — the group that regularly puts on the one-day capstone festival — and agreed on a one-year hand-off.
The event, christened Tri Pride 2023, will take place July 8. The time and location were not publicized “due to safety concerns.”
Local all-ages drag shows have been the target of opponents, who picketed two events earlier this month. The Emerald of Siam received harassment and death threats over hosting their Easter Drag Brunch event, which was open to people of all ages.
Richland Mayor Pro Tem Theresa Richardson said she’s received similar threats for her comments directing citizens concerned with the event to send a “polite note” to the Emerald of Siam.
Earlier this year, Tri-Cities Pride announced they were canceling the 2023 iteration of Tri-Cities Pride Festival in order to reorganize into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The group plans to put on a 2024 event.
Some other smaller events will also be planned this summer.
About 2,000 people showed up to last year’s festival, which is regularly held in Pasco. It’s the only large-scale gay pride gathering of its kind in the Tri-Cities.
“RAU will work closely with Tri-Cities community organizations, leadership and businesses to ensure an inclusive, fun and safe event,” a news release from the organization read.
This story was originally published April 14, 2023 at 1:13 PM.
