116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Pride is back in Cedar Rapids
Thirty years ago, a group of courageous citizens came together to create the GLRC of Cedar Rapids. Our mission was to provide a safe place for our community to gather and build relationships. We also gathered books, movies and information about gay and lesbian people and made these items available to the public. We held our first Gay Pride Day celebration in 1995. Over time, our focus and mission switched solely to organizing the annual festival. At our last festival in 2019, we had nearly 10,000 community members join in the celebration. We have come a long way since 1995!
No decision was more difficult for the board to make than to cancel Pride in 2020 and 2021. Over the past two years, we have realized the importance that our programming provides to our community. Even though we live in a welcoming and accepting community, we still provide a safe space for our community to gather and be their true authentic selves. In an era where we hear all too often that “you don’t matter,” CR Pride is here to ensure that no matter how you identify, everyone knows they are seen, heard, welcome and loved.
In February, the board agreed we would return to in person programming. We knew that we had to make this celebration special so we have added new events to our line up. Our inaugural Pride Parade is today, June 4, at 1 p.m. in the NewBo District. We have extended the hours of the festival on July 9 to include a silent disco and an after party featuring Utica Queen from Season 13 of RuPaul Drag Race. We have many other events planned throughout the month of June and July and you can learn about them on our website.
As we look to the future, and the next 30 years, we realize the work needs to continue to bring awareness and acceptance to our community. We must continue to make connections with everyone, including allies, in our community. Our board is now committed to year-round programming and to holding events throughout Linn County.
We are extremely fortunate to live in a welcoming community and appreciate our allies standing in unity with the LGBTQIA+ community. If you want to get involved, please visit our website at www.crprideia.com or email info@crprideia.com.
Corey Jacobson is board president for CR Pride.
Brian Gambino president of the National Gay Pilots Association speaks during a news conference announcing the National Gay Pilots Association: The Worldwide LGBTQ Aviation Community "Wings Over Iowa" fly-in event at Signature Flight Support at The Eastern Iowa Airport in southwest Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. The fly-in is June 3-5. Aviation enthusiasts will participate in the first CR Pride Parade as well as a static aircraft display which will be open to all. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
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