Glitter and confetti will rain down from the heavens, or at least the balcony at the Crockett Street Entertainment Complex, Saturday, June 9, at 12:30 p.m. when PFLAG Beaumont opens the gates to Pride Fest 2018.
“The entire family can expect drag shows, some of the area’s best singers, local bands, food, vendors and lots of fun,” Donny Avery, Red Room stage manager and Pride Fest volunteer, said.
Pride Fest is a free street fair with a plethora of vendor booths ranging from religious organizations to hand-crafted jewelry, PFLAG Beaumont education chair, JoLee Tanner, said.
“We have two indoor stages packed with entertainment from noon until midnight for a one-time charge of $10,” she said. “Everyone is welcome.”
The event is all-ages until 9 p.m., located at 200 Crockett St., Beaumont.
“We have put together a broad range of entertainment this year,” Olivia Busceme, entertainment coordinator, said. “Starting with drag performers, but also some electronic musicians, a country band, and dance party mixes anybody can get down to.”
Avery, who identifies as gay, said he thinks it is beneficial to have a Pride Fest in Beaumont to show off that the area has a wonderful LGBTQIA community.
“All are welcome,” he said. “Beaumont is a great city, and by including a Pride Festival, we show the diversity that you will find in Beaumont.”
Tanner, who identifies as gender fluid and pansexual, said that Pride Fest is for everyone.
“Those who are out know they are safe at Pride Fest, and those who are closeted can hide in plain sight along with other like-minded allies,” Tanner said.
Tony Smith, a volunteer, said Pride Fest is needed for all of the Golden Triangle to gather together.
“We need Pride Fest because there are so many outlying communities where young people feel and often are isolated and experience homophobic abuse — including spiritual abuse. Pride Fest is an opportunity to unite with like-minded people to abolish isolation and torment.”
Smith, who came out as a trans man at the recent debutante ball fundraiser, has completed more than 50 hours of service to the community in five months leading up to Pride Fest and will be on hand the day of the all-volunteer-led event.
He said the experience has been life changing.
“PFLAG has given me the opportunity to meet people I would not have otherwise,” Smith said. “It feels good to be needed, but the experience has also brought a sense of community and belonging.”
Avery said he thinks Beaumont is big enough to support a Pride Fest every year and hopes to stay involved.
“We might be a tiny community, but we are a mighty community,” Avery said. “And we want to be here to show how proud we are to live in such a fantastic place.”
For more information, visit the Facebook event or email bmtpridefest@ gmail.com.
