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Athens community members gather to listen to speakers during the city’s first PRIDE PARADE. The parade was a part of Athens Pride Fest, a weeklong celebration of solidarity, diversity, unity, and activism. Photo by Ben Siegel
The Southeastern Ohio Rainbow Alliance (SEORA), Ohio University’s LGBT Center and the Athens community are celebrating Pride month with a play and a number of other Athens Pride Fest (APF) events scheduled throughout the month.
The events are part of the LGBT Center’s overall plans for the summer, including networking opportunities, a family friendly walk, a community pool party, an outdoor Pride Party on Ohio University’s West Green, and more.
“We are cognizant of the fact that many pride festivals are happening for this June after years of hiatus and spreading out events keeps the spirit of pride going,” LGBT Center Director Micah McCarey said. “In addition to in-person events the LGBT Center is planning as part of the Summer of Pride, community members are invited to visit the LGBT Center’s new physical space in Baker 348 where they are welcome to pick-up free pride swag and buttons to raise awareness about respectful use of pronouns.
The play is a musical titled “Fun Home” and will take place at ARTS/West on June 3-5 and 10-12. Friday and Saturday shows will be at 8 p.m., and Sunday shows will be at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/funhomeathens .
The 90-minute play is recommended for ages 13 and up as it contains adult language and subject material. The play is the first show ARTS/West has officially produced and is directed by Dayton Edward Wilson. The cast and crew are made up of OHIO students and members of the Athens community.
Other scheduled events are below:
- June 10: APF PRIDE Shuffle at Pigskin beginning at 8 p.m. with a closing dance party at The Union.
- June 11: APF Drag Show at the Eclipse Company Store. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets for this family-friendly event are $8 and can be purchased at the door.
- June 12: APF Community Field Day at Richland Avenue Park at noon. There will be free food, field games, toys, a bouncy house, and vendors/organizations tabling.
Other event details for the LGBT Center's Summer of Pride are still being finalized. Visit the LGBT Center website or the Ohio University calendar for updates.