2022 Spokane Pride Re-cap

(2 minute read)

An earnest karaoke rendition of ‘What’s Up’ by 4 Non Blondes floated through the air as a group of festival goers walked by with a black cat on a leash. Roller derby girls whizzed by. Goths in platform boots towered over the crowds just as tall as drag queens in stilettos did. Riverfront Park became a shimmering rainbow sea. After a two-year hiatus, Spokane’s Pride Parade and Festival was back and better than ever.

Thousands lined the streets of downtown Spokane to cheer on the 3,000+ procession made up of organizations and businesses, advocacy groups, artists, musicians, and other community members. Thousands more showed up throughout the day to support LGBTQ+ performers on two different stages, fill their bellies with goodies from local food trucks, and lounge in patches of grass with their canine companions (there were even a couple of goats in the mix), enjoying the newly completed renovations at Riverfront Park.

Though the weather constantly shifted from windy and gloomy to breezy and sunny, the energized atmosphere unwavered. The air vibrated with pure joy and happiness; everyone was just so glad to be in such a welcoming space that let people be who they were. The last few years brought so much loss and grief. We were long overdue for a celebration and the festival provided so many ways to do just that. With over 120 booths, food trucks, 2 stages, and a teen zone hosted by Odyssey Youth Movement, Spokane Pride made sure there was something for everyone. Added sign language options for those with hearing disabilities and making sure activities were more accessible were just a few of the ways the parade and festival demonstrated inclusivity.

Spokane showed up.

We need more events like this and the potential to make this a legacy event is huge. This year’s Pride Parade and Festival proved many things: Members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community are all around us and we are not going anywhere. This community will only grow. The visibility and safety last weekend’s event provided is crucial to making sure our LGBTQ+ neighbors feel welcomed. We all need to continue to create spaces where this and future queer generations no longer apologize or hide who they are.

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We want to thank Spokane Pride again, and all the organizers and community partners for the opportunity to march alongside our LGBTQ+ community. We are a proud Silver Sponsor of Spokane’s 2022 Pride Parade and Festival.