While pride parades celebrating the LGBTQ community are common in most big cities, Corpus Christi hasn’t had one, but that is about to change.
The parade, which will be apart of many pride themed activities for the weekend of June 2-4. Other events for the weekend will include a block party, a LGBTQ youth prom and art shows focusing on gay content.
Sarah Hedrick, the head organizer of the parade, got her start last year after planning a memorial after the Pulse massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla. that left 49 dead.
“My biggest hope is that this becomes a normal event that happens every year like the Day of the Dead events,” said Hedrick, “There’s no questions about that. I want there to be a cultural and community acceptance like the Day of the Dead.”
Last years event was planned in a short amount of time, however the parade has been in the works since last October, according to Hedrick. “We tried to get the city to light the bridge rainbow after the shooting,” said Hedrick,” This year we have gotten tremendous support from the city for the event.”
While some of the events will be more adult oriented, such as splash, some will be just for younger LGBT people. Angie Baker, the LGBT Youth Coordinator for YNOT (Youth Network Out Together), decided to plan a Gay Prom for the “community to see that kids want this and that it is important.
“LGBT kids don’t always feel comfortable at regular proms.” Said Baker, “Prom can be magical, so this is for kids to go and be out and bring a partner no matter what their gender is or dress however they want.”
Rylan Martinez, a sophomore and Dual Credit student at Moody High School, said that “events like these are good to show the community we are valid people.”
“I’m probably most excited for the parade,” said Martinez, “I’ve never been to one so it’s going to be fun.”
Felicity Shea, a junior at Collegiate High School, said “I think it’s important to have a pride parade because there is not a lot of acceptance in Texas because Texas is well, Texas, but showing that it’s okay to be who you are and even celebrating who you are is important.
The parade is apart of the many pride or LGBTQ related events that will be held. For more info go to http://pridedowntowncc.com. The full schedule is below:
Pride Downtown
June 2-3, 2017
Happenings you shouldn’t miss.
Mon, May 29
2017
Volunteer Orientation and Mixer
The Exchange — Corpus Christi
224 N. Mesquite St.
5PM-7PM
Thurs, Jun 1
2017
Growing up LGBT in South Texas: A Facebook Live Forum
A Caller-Times Facebook Live Streaming Event
Featuring a panel of locals, including Korbin Boomer Matthews, Kitana Sanchez, Quentin Arispe, and more; Moderated by Caller-Times reporter Julie Garcia
7PM
Event link TBA
Fri, June 2
2017
Peace, Love, and Art: an Equality-themed ArtWalk
Downtown Corpus Christi
Starr Street & Mesquite Street
5:30PM
Free
Fri, Jun 2
2017
Pride Kickoff Party sponsored by Stoli Vodka
The Hidden Door
802 South Staples Street
6PM-9PM
Free
Fri, Jun 2
2017
YNOT Gay Prom
Unitarian Universalist Church of Corpus Christi
6901 Holly Road
7PM-11PM
$5
Ages 13-24
Fri, June 2
2017
Pride Diva Showcase
Solomon P. Ortiz International Center
402 Harbor Drive
9PM-11PM
VIP available; GA available;
Ages 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult
Fri, Jun 2
2017
The After-Party (Part 1)
The Exchange — Corpus Christi
224 North Mesquite Street
11:30PM-3AM
Free; Live DJ; Drink specials
Sat, June 3
2017
Proud Families Block Party
Parking Lot of The Exchange
224 North Mesquite Street
12PM-6PM
Free; kid-friendly
Sat, Jun 3
2017
The Pride Downtown Wedding
Solomon P. Ortiz International Center
402 Harbor Drive
2PM-3PM
Free, but space is limited
Sat, Jun 3
2017
Sing Your Pride: Karaoke Benefit
Rehab & Infinite Nightclubs
512 North Chaparral Street
10PM-1AM
$5 suggested donation at the door
Sat, June 3
2017
Pride Downtown Parade
Downtown Corpus Christi
7PM-8PM
Sat, Jun 3
2017
Pride Downtown Art Show: Live Painting & Live Music
House of Rock
511 Starr Street
8:30PM-11:30PM
Live DJ; Body painting; Silent auction; $5 cover
Sat, Jun 3
2017
The After-Party (Part 2)
The Exchange — Corpus Christi
224 N. Mesquite St.
11PM-2AM
Free; Live DJ; Drink specials
Sun, Jun 4
2017
Splash Sunday
Mile Marker 203-204
JP Luby
8AM-8PM
Beach party!
