Why Durham does Pride in September — plus tips to enjoy the weekend
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Durham's annual Pride festival is this weekend, and thousands of people are expected to celebrate.
Why it matters: Durham is a haven for the LGBTQ+ community in a moment of backlash, with the Supreme Court being asked to overturn same-sex marriage, the state legislature seeing a wave of anti-trans legislation and companies and universities rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
- So while Pride is a good time, it's also a "political act" to gather in public, says Jesse Huddleston, the event's lead organizer.
Catch up quick: Even though June is Pride Month — to honor New York City's 1969 Stonewall Uprising — Durham's been doing it in the fall for over 20 years.
- Why? It's cooler weather, and the Duke University students are in town. (The university is a major sponsor.)
- Plus, it's a nod to history.
Flashback: Durham is the birthplace of North Carolina's annual LGBTQ+ pride marches, held in September since 2001.
- The state's very first demonstration for gay rights was held in Durham in June 1981 after a local sunbathing man on the Eno River was murdered in a hate crime. (A few years ago, organizers spoke candidly with the News & Observer about those "somber" early days, if you're in the mood for a long read.)
What to expect: This year, festivities are spread over three days.
🎤 Friday: A concert and rally kicks off the weekend from 5-9pm at CCB Plaza downtown.
🏳️🌈 Saturday: The parade starts at noon on Duke University's East Campus. Floats roll down Main, Broad and Ninth streets (map). A kickback with health and wellness resources continues on campus until 5pm.
🍭 Sunday: A day market will fill Durham Central Park with food trucks and vendors. (Noon to 4pm)
🪩 All weekend long: While there are no official afterparties, check the schedules at The Fruit, PS37, Club Era, Arcana, Queeny's, Pinhook, Velvet Hippo and Rubies if you're in the mood to dance.
Between the lines: This weekend's Pride events happen rain or shine, though organizers are monitoring the forecast. You can follow @pridedurhamnc on Instagram for updates.
Friction point: This year, Durham County dropped its long-running sponsorship over fears of losing federal funding for schools and healthcare.
- Huddleston says that while yes, he "would have loved to receive that check with the comma," he understands the decision. "Durham County is not our enemy, stop playing," he says. "They're still going to march in the parade. They're still doing STI testing at our kickback."
- Since that conversation, county chair Nida Allam launched her own fundraiser, looking to raise $20,000 for Pride.
If you go: We asked Huddleston to share some tips to enjoy the weekend.
- Drink water!
- Go with a group, and try to carpool to the parade. If you go alone, the kickback after the parade is a great place to make connections.
- If you see someone by themself, talk to them. "It can make a world of difference for people, especially if it's their first Pride and they're figuring out how to embrace and integrate their identity," Huddleston says.
- Volunteers are wearing lavender and neon pink. Stop one if you have a question.
What's next: Enjoy the weekend, and share your photos with us!