After a challenging year of cancellations and lockdowns, this year’s Sonoma County Pride celebration is returning with hope and positivity! This annual event will include a month-long series of COVID-19 aware micro-events in varied venues throughout Sonoma County. The events will offer activities for all ages and abilities. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Rainbow: Surviving, Reviving, and Thriving,” takes inspiration from The Wizard of Oz to offer renewal and support to the LGBTQ community.
Sonoma County Pride’s Secretary Cheryl Kabanuck puts the beloved film’s lessons into perspective. “There’s no place like home being back together with our community. Courage leads us here, knowledge is how we survive, and heart is what keeps us together.”
Since the worldwide pandemic forced the cancellation of 2020 Pride events everywhere, it was important to find a unifying theme to recognize we are not all in the same space mentally and emotionally. The past year has been incredibly challenging for everyone, and each of us faced different struggles. The focus for Sonoma County Pride 2021 is on the mental, physical, and emotional health and wellness of community members.
Vice President Grace Villafuerte emphasizes, “While some of us are reviving and thriving, some of us are still focused on surviving. Wherever we are on our journey, we hope Sonoma County Pride 2021 will offer each of us a feeling of community, pride, and peace. We strive to not only reach our unique rainbows—our dreams and inner strengths—but we look to go Beyond the Rainbow!”
According to Director of Logistics Brian Rogers, “Those of us who survived this surreal year gained new respect and meaning for the prime lesson Dorothy learned in Oz: ‘There’s no place like home.’ Now that we have nearly survived the pandemic, let’s embrace that hopeful spirit as we revive together and support one another so we can once again thrive.”
Christopher Kren-Mora, President of Sonoma Pride, promises a different but exciting series of events to bring the community back together in a spirit of celebration. “It won’t be a single weekend this year, but a month of fun, hope, and renewal that we’ve all been hoping for.” https://www.sonomacountypride.org/
Events are still being added, so check back at the Sonoma County Pride website for updates and additional information. Details on select events are also featured on page 16 of this issue.
Tuesday, June 1
Scavenger Hunt begins
Annual Raising of the Pride Flag – Rosenberg Building 11 am via Facebook Live
Wednesday, June 2
“Friends of Dorothy Zoom” – Deep Eddy Cocktail Social & Educational Panel
LGBTQIA+ Needs Assessment Survey presented by the LGBTAIA+ Coalition
Saturday, June 5
“Beyond the Rainbow” Drive-Thru Parade – Graton Resort & Casino
Sunday, June 6
Santa Rosa GayDar’s Drag High Tea @ Tudor Tea House
Pride Friends & Fitness: Sugarloaf State Park Hike, led by Laurie Lynn Hogan
Wednesday, June 9
“Friends of Dorothy Zoom” – Deep Eddy Cocktail Social & Educational Panel
Support & Resources for Caregivers facilitated by Rhiannon Coxon, MPA
Thursday, June 10–Sunday, June 13
OutWatch at Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival (virtual)
Sunday, June 13
Rally to Protest AAPI Hate
Pride Friends & Fitness: Family Friendly Hike at Foothills Park
Hosted by: North Bay LGBTRQI+ Families
Wednesday, June 16
“Friends of Dorothy Zoom” – Deep Eddy Cocktail Social & Educational Panel
Chosen Families – Hosted by North Bay LGBTQI Families
Friday, June 18
Rise & Ride with Pride (GayDar/Rise Cycle)
Saturday, June 19
“Behind the Curtain” Movie Night – Sally Tomatoes
Hosted by San Francisco Bay Times columnist Jan Wahl
Sunday, June 20
Pride Friends & Fitness: Paddle at Spring Lake
Coordinated with Alexis P-Holmes & Sonoma County Regional Parks
Wednesday, June 23
“Friends of Dorothy Zoom” – Deep Eddy Cocktail Social & Educational Panel
Body Dysmorphia Discussion
Saturday, June 26
OZ Pride Concert @ Sonoma County Fairgrounds
Featuring: Todrick Hall, Ryan Cassata, Morgan McMichaels & Bright Lights
Sunday, June 27
Drag on The River in Petaluma @ Grand Central Café, an SCP Benefit by Lady Tastemasters
Therapeutic Movement incorporating qi gong, stretching, slow movement, balance, and more
Taught by JT Bymaster of Body Work Therapy
Wednesday, June 30
“Friends of Dorothy Zoom” – Deep Eddy Cocktail Social & Educational Panel
Emergency Preparedness presented by Cyndi Foreman, Fire Marshall
Published on May 20, 2021
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