Feel Small Town Pride this June! The towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill are collaborating to show LGBTQ+ Pride, and to affirm community values ensuring that all residents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated with respect and dignity.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is celebrated nationally and locally each year in the month of June. The origins of Pride stem from the Stonewall Riots that occurred in June of 1969, when attendees of the Stonewall Inn in NYC clashed with anti-LGBTQ police. Marches and protests popped up in some major US cities in June of the following year to commemorate the event, and the tradition has continued. The purpose of celebrating Pride is to promote the equality of the LGBTQ+ communities, as well as increase visibility, challenge anti-LGBTQ legislation, and bring awareness to other LGBTQ issues. Progress for true equality requires the support of everyone, including straight allies who know that support for LGBTQ+ people strengthens the entire community.
Through a mix of in-person and virtual events, Small Town Pride will promote equality and celebrate diversity and acceptance in the towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill. It will involve the entire community, with local businesses, artists, volunteers and community partners. Everyone is welcome!
SMALL TOWN PRIDE EVENTS
- Pride Food Truck Rodeo and Dance Party
Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main St., Carrboro, from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 24
Join Mayor Lydia Lavelle at the Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St., as she and other town leaders and community members kick off the night’s celebrations! All are invited to join as they parade the Rainbow Ram down Carrboro’s streets to the Rodeo and Dance Party. There will be food trucks, dance music, and booths from local businesses and organizations, so come dressed to party! Masks and social distancing required.
- Proclamations of PRIDE MONTH by each municipality
View the Town of Carrboro proclamation from Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle at http://townofcarrboro.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1743
- Raising of PRIDE flags in our downtowns
Watch the video of the Pride flags being raised by Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle and Chapel Hill Council Member Karen Stegman at https://youtu.be/wf5vlRSM0jk
- Small Town Pride Video
You’re invited to take a trip down memory lane and sample the Pride vibe that took place in Carrboro in 2019 through the film Small Town Pride from Richard Jaimeyfield, a local filmmaker. The 13-minute film is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/kw15AkJVSfI
In June 2019, the Town of Carrboro celebrated the 50th anniversary of Stonewall in several ways, including a Pride parade, a poetry night, a Latinx celebration and a panel discussion of current LGBTQ+ issues. The Town closed out the festivities with a dance party on the Town Commons. The film offers a brief view into how a small southern town can create safe spaces and understands the importance of being seen and heard, while also calling into action the work that still needs to be done.
“Carrboro has a rich history of being a leader in the state when it comes to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community,” Mayor Lavelle said. “We are delighted that Richard was able to showcase this history.”
- Drag Queen Story Time
Join host Stormie Daie at Southern Community Park,1000 Sumac Rd., Chapel Hill, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 12, for a fun and fabulous morning of songs and stories that celebrate diversity and encourage kids to be exactly who they are. Everyone is welcome at this story time, but our books will be best for ages 2 – 7. No registration is required, but we ask that everyone wears their masks and practices physical distancing. Join us at the large shelter at Southern Community Park and come dressed to dance!
- Conversation with EqualityNC
This conversation over Zoom from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 14, will cover the rise of anti-trans legislation and what we can do to help the trans community in NC.
Join Rebby Kern and Kendra Johnson from EqualityNC to discuss the increase nationally of anti-trans bills. We will also discuss what we can do to support our trans community in North Carolina. Register on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtcumqqz4jEtFTuedQimrxuHb9199I_fb3
- Pride Book Club
Meet virtually from 6:30 to 7:30 pm Monday, June 28.
Join us on Zoom to talk to fellow book-lovers, LGBTQ+ folks, and allies about Emily Hashimoto’s debut book, A World Between. Described by BOMB Magazine as “an incredibly refreshing exploration of how the bond between two queer women of color evolves over the course of a decade," this tender, moving book explores the intersections of queer identity, romance, family, and race with a gentleness not often seen in queer stories. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtdOmppzouEtU4HMk3KxV34Z-xydOl23Ez
Get your copy of A World Between by Emily Hashimoto from Chapel Hill Public Library, Flyleaf Books or Epilogue Books.
- Social Media campaign
We are highlighting local LGBTQ+ leaders, history and milestones!
- Area business specials!
- Post your pride
#SmallTownPride #CarrboroPride #ChapelHillPride #PRIDE2021
Do you have an idea to contribute to the next Small Town Pride? Please contact clazorko@townofcarrboro.org
