New dates bring new opportunities, say PrideFest organizers

You can get your Pride on a week early this year. And probably next year and future years as well. Denver’s PrideFest, one of the top ten LGBT pride celebrations in the U.S., now happens on the third weekend in June instead of the fourth as it used to. That change is likely permanent, say organizers at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center who have produced the event for 35 years.

At first, in 2008, the change was made to accommodate conflict with Civic Center Park renovation and construction and in 2010 because the City of Denver hosted the Biennial of the Americas exhibit and performances in the park.

But according to Center officials, the third weekend now looks attractive for other reasons. Instead of competing with other large festivals such as San Francisco for entertainers and sponsors, Denver’s event now occupies its own spotlight.

“Traditionally, PrideFest was on the fourth weekend but it hasn’t always been so,” said Amy Drayer, coordinator of PrideFest at The Center. “That weekend put us into direct competition with other really large festivals in negotiating for artists and sponsors.”

PrideFest fills a dual purpose at The Center. It is a celebration of LGBT community and history commemorating the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 that launched the modern day LGBT liberation movement. The two-day event brings out nearly 300,000 queers and allies from not only the metro area but also from all Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.

It is also the largest single fundraiser for The Center’s community programs, bringing in a hoped-for 175,000 dollars this year. Like pride celebrations across the country, Denver’s is a huge production with huge costs – The Center has to pay the Denver Police on duty, for example – while also offering huge marketing opportunities for national corporations wanting to court LGBT customers. To have the fun weekend and support programs means attracting corporate money in the form of sponsorships.

“We’re working with national companies,” said Drayer, “and they map out their whole summer schedule for events. Moving to the third weekend fits us better into their rotation so they can come here as well as get to New York, L.A., San Francisco.”

A quick check of U.S. pride festivals shows that relatively few actually use the fourth weekend in June and most are scattered throughout the year to suit local seasons, celebrate other important dates and not conflict with other festivals. None of the many California pride celebrations go up against San Francisco’s, for example.

According to Trisha Clymore, co-president of InterPride, the international association of pride producers, “Pride Festivals are happening at different times all year now. For instance, Atlanta Pride is in October to celebrate National Coming Out Day, Fort Lauderdale is in February, some events are in late May and early June so as not to compete with New York City. and San Francisco. Long Beach Pride is a big event and it is in late May. So, yes, Prides do move around for various reasons.”

Clymore applauded The Center’s decision. “That Denver is taking into consideration the economic impact of putting on an event the same weekend as a larger Pride is wise on their part, in my opinion,” she said.

This year’s festival takes place on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19 with food and drink, entertainers, vendors and special events both days. Saturday highlights include the Family Interactive Area, Dogs in Drag and entertainment by drag star Carmen Carrera, Michael Jackson impersonator Carlo Riley, singer Lori Michaels and singer/songwriter Justin Utley.

Sunday, of course, starts with the parade stepping off from Cheesman Park at 9:30 a.m. and marching down E. Colfax to Civic Center. Grand Marshal this year is the Service Members Legal Defense Network and all military members are invited to join in. Main stage entertainment for Sunday includes Grammy Award winner Thelma Houston and Cher impersonator Chad Michaels. There’s also the Dance Stage, Latino Stage and Country Stage. New this year is the Transgender Resource Area.