Keweenaw Queers Return with Keweenaw Pride in June

June’s pride celebrations around the country will celebrate lgbtq+ identities. Throughout the month advocacy and awareness groups will hold pride festivities in some of the country’s largest cities. And even some small towns too. On June First this Saturday, Keweenaw Queers will hold the group’s second annual Keweenaw Pridefest. Last year, Keweenaw Queers Treasurer Riley, says that the group expected a few people. But was very happy to see that wealth of support with over 250 attendees in 2023. They add that this year Keweenaw Pridefest has planned for a large group, and hope to have a relaxing afternoon with the community.

So our Pride Fest will have live music and we’ll have food trucks. And for us, we’re having community tables, about 20 of them, of local community groups. There’ll be face painting and some yard games. So Pride is a celebration of overcoming adversity. You don’t have to be a part of the LGBT community to join. You can be an ally and join. You can just come and hang out with us on the Hancock Beach. – Riley, Treasurer, Keweenaw Queers

Riley says that small-town pride events offer a great opportunity for people to get to know the Copper Country lgbtq+ community.

So throughout the year, we’re mostly planning Keweenaw Pride Fest, just because it’s a little bit of a larger event. But we’ve also hosted a couple of other events. We were able to host the Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil last year, which is in remembrance of those who have passed due to violence. And we’ve also hosted an open mic recently as a fundraiser for Keweenaw Pride Fest. – Riley, Treasurer, Keweenaw Queers

Keweenaw Pridefest hosted by Keweenaw Queers will take place on Saturday. The festival will take place at the Hancock Beach. Organizers do suggest attendees to the festival try to carpool if possible as the parking space is limited. The festival will begin at 1 pm. Those interested in learning more about the festival can find more details here and here.