Central Coast Pride brings festivals, parties, activism, support, art, and big-name entertainment to San Luis Obispo County.
The Gala Pride and Diversity Center presents a plethora of loud and vibrant events throughout this Pride season to show that SLO’s LGBTQ+ community is here, queer, and here to stay.
More anti-queer bills passed this year than any before in this country’s history – more bills than there are days in the year. Legislative attacks on the rights of LGBQ – and especially T – people continued. Visibility, support, and joy are key.
People of all ages and walks of life can find things to love at Central Coast Pride celebrations. These colorful events are a source of activism through compassion and defiant joy. Food, music, costumes, and so much more will light up SLO. From kids play areas to resources for freshly out youth on their journeys, to meetups for older folks and endless performances, Central Coast Pride stands firmly by this year’s theme, “We Are Family.”
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Any combination of genders, ages, and blood relation or lack thereof can be a family. Family is active, and Central Coast Pride hopes to show that the so-called “family values” used to deny rights have nothing to do with the real thing. Pride is for EVERYONE.
Events over Memorial Day weekend particularly focus on lifting up the voices of the transgender community, who have been the most frequent victims of hatred of late. A DJ will welcome attendees into a drag queen-hosted dance party on Friday May 26th, at the SLO Libertine. This space will focus on being able to Come As You Are… this is a dance party without gender expectations.
The following day, Saturday, May 27th, transgender and nonbinary people will stand together at Trans Pride at Meadow Park, allies welcome. Many resources will be available to attendees— access to gender affirming clothes, make up, haircuts… and of course opportunities to socialize and play.
Friday, June 2nd kicks off the main Pride weekend with “Burly-Drag,” a combined Burlesque and Drag show at the Fremont Theatre. Come feel the vapors as a variety of attractive and talented folks help destroy societal expectations around bodies. There’s no shaming at Pride!
Saturday, June 3rd, revisits to last year’s venue, Laguna Lake Park, to pull out all the stops for Pridefest! The lovely views of the sun shining on the water through the eucalyptus trees are matched with endless opportunities to support local queer artists of all kinds, from purchasing their wares to cheering them on when they take the stage.
The grand finale is a real doozy – return to Mission Plaza for the first time in years for a popular Pride in the Plaza event, and feature none other than The Family Stone as the headlining performance. This boundary-breaking funk rock band from the 70s not only brought some of the greatest hits of the era, such as “Dance to the Music” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”, but was also notable for the social commentary of their songs, and for being a racially integrated group of men and women at a time when that was particularly rare – all of us are “Everyday People.” Of course, in addition to this incredible group, you’ll get even more of the food, fun, and family provided throughout the rest of Pride month.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the help of many sponsors, particularly top sponsors at United Staffing Associates, Visit SLO, and YES Cocktail Co.
For a full event list and descriptions, as well as opportunities to volunteer, go to slopride.com and follow social media accounts: Facebook/Instagram @centralcoastpride.
Upcoming events include:
Friday May 26th, Trans Pride Drag & Dance at Libertine
Saturday May 27th, Trans Pride Day at the Park at Meadow Park
Friday June 2, Pride Burlesque & Drag Show at the Fremont
Saturday June 3, Pridefest at Laguna Lake Park
Sunday June 4, Pride in the Plaza featuring headline The Family Stone! at Mission Plaza