News Briefs: Pride Parade This Weekend
This week kicks off a wide array of activities designed to celebrate diversity, inclusion and equality in northwest Arkansas. Area members and allies of the northwest Arkansas LGBT community are locally celebrating the international recognition of June as LGBT Pride Month, and the NWA Center for Equality has joined efforts with area organizers and volunteers to coordinate events to appeal to a range of interests. Here are some of the events this weekend.
Speak Out! Open Mic Night Individuals are encouraged to share their talents, readings, poetry, and more with the community.
WHEN: June 12, 2014
WHERE: Fayetteville Underground—101 W. Mountain, Suite 222, Fayetteville
TIME: Doors open at 7 p.m. and the mic opens at 7:30 p.m.
PRICE: Free
NWA Pride Pageant Show—Mister and Miss Gay Northwest Arkansas Pride 2014
WHEN: June 13, 2014
WHERE: Club Push—21 N Block Ave, Fayetteville. Must be 18+ to enter.
TIME: Doors open at 7 p.m. and the pageantry begins at 9 p.m.
PRICE: ONLINE at www.nwaequality.org—$8.00 per person plus processing fees
$10.00 per person at the door
Registration of NWA Pride Pageant Contestants
The titles of Mister and Miss Gay Northwest Arkansas Pride 2014 represent years of tradition and are an important key to increasing awareness around the region’s LGBTQ community. Titleholders are individuals willing to dedicate their talents and time, actively advocating for equality through speaking engagements, networking and outreach opportunities throughout the year of their reign.
REGISTRATION: Download application and pageant guidelines online by visiting the June Pride Calendar at www.nwaequality.org. Completed applications must be emailed to pride@nwaequality.org at the same time the entry fee is paid.
PRICE: All fees to be paid online by visiting www.nwaequality.org.
$75.00 plus processing fees if registered after June 1, 2014—until June 11, 2014
$100.00 plus processing fees on June 12, 2014 and June 13, 2014. Registrations submitted at the door accepted with a $20.00 penalty.
Pride Parade
Pride Parade Grand marshals for this year’s parade are Walmart Pride leaders who influenced their company’s decision to implement Domestic Partner Benefits and other progressive LGBTA policies. WHEN: June 14, 2014
WHERE: Parade route travels down Dickson Street to the Walton Arts Center parking lot
TIME: Parade line-up begins at 8 a.m. behind Club Push (corner of Meadow and Church)
Parade starts at 10 a.m.
Pride Festival & Picnic
Lunch will be provided by NWA Center for Equality at this family-friendly outdoor event. Booths representing local LGBTQ-supporting businesses and organizations will be available. Free tip-only transportation will be available to Pride Parade watchers from the parade’s end at the Walton Arts Center parking lot
WHEN: June 14, 2014
WHERE: Wilson Park—675 N Park Ave, Fayetteville
TIME: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PRICE: Free and open to everyone
