STARKVILLE — Starkville Pride is returning to the city for its fifth year this Friday.
President Mike Brezeale said the weekend is going to be packed with events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, including an art market, parade and drag shows.
“We’re really hoping this is our biggest event yet,” Brezeale said. “… People come from all over the Southeast every year for Pride, which is really exciting. The fact that we’re still going strong, I think, is a testament to the fact that small towns in Mississippi really need these kinds of events, especially to reach younger people who may feel like they’re alone in the world.”
Though Pride Month is nationally recognized in June, Brezeale said Starkville Pride chose to celebrate this weekend to involve as many people as possible, including college students who may be out of town this summer.
Starkville Pride 2023 will begin on Friday with a kick-off event at Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, a Queer Art Market will be set up in Fire Station Park starting at noon. While the market is underway, an hour-long Pride Parade will start at 2 p.m. Later in the evening, there will also be a Pride Night Drag Show at Rick’s Cafe starting at 7:30 p.m.
Finally, there will be a Drag Brunch at Rick’s Cafe at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. Breazeale said the brunch intentionally has a focus on being “family friendly.”
“When we have our evening drag show at Rick’s, that is an 18 and older entry just because it is a bar,” Breazeale said. “… But we stress during the Pride brunch on Sunday morning that a lot of people like to bring their kids for that, so that they can experience drag culture and see what’s out there.”
Stephanie Jackson, a local hairdresser who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community, said she has attended Starkville Pride every year in some form for the past five years. Last year, she brought her almost 4-year-old son Jameson to the parade.
“It’s always been wonderful,” Jackson said. “I believe I’ve been to the parade every year. … It’s always been awesome. Very comfortable and welcoming.”
Breazeale said the weekend is not just a celebration of people’s sexualities but is also a time to bring awareness to issues of the LGBTQ+ community and to highlight their contributions to the city.
Pride Calendar:
■ Friday: Pride Kick-Off at Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern, 6 p.m.
■ Saturday: Queer Art Market at Fire Station Park, noon-4 p.m.
Pride Parade starting at Fire Station Park, 2-3 p.m.
Pride Night Drag Show at Rick’s Cafe, 7:30 p.m.
■ Sunday: Drag Brunch at Rick’s Cafe, 11:30 a.m.
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