Four years in and Emporia’s Pride Celebration continues to see tremendous growth.
In an interview with KVOE News during Emporia’s Pride activities this weekend, lead organizer Orion Turner noted the growth of the festival has included both the event schedule and support from the local community.
Among the agencies that have stepped up to lend support in recent years has been Emporia Main Street which played a large role in promoting and facilitating many of the week’s activities. Main Street Community Development Coordinator Jessica Buchholz says it was extremely important for Main Street to be as visible and active as possible with this year’s festivities noting inclusion and acceptance are pillars of the Emporia community.
Emporia native and LGBTQ+ community member Cassandra Grimm says the reception of the queer community has taken a turn for the better in recent years locally. She says seeing the level of acceptance and love for all in Emporia has been inspiring.
This year’s activities included the addition of a pride comedy show featuring an all-queer lineup of performers. The show was followed by the annual third annual Pride Live at the corner of Ninth and Commercial.
Activities culminated Saturday with the annual parade down Commercial Street and drag show celebration at the Emporia Granada Theatre hosted by Emporia native and drag superstar Q.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/ KVOE News and Jessica Buchholz/Emporia Main Street
