Columbia kicked off Pride Month festivities this weekend, four months after the city was declared a safe haven.
June is recognized as Pride Month around the world, which is dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of LGBTQIA+ members.
In February, Columbia City Council declared the city a safe haven for LGBTQ residents, making gender-affirming care laws its lowest priorities.
Mid-Missouri PrideFest president Janet Davis said Pride Month has a new meaning after the safe haven ordinance was passed.
“Columbia being a safe haven city has been instrumental in the fight for our community,” Davis said. “I do feel lucky in Columbia, that we are a lot more of a safe space already, so just adding the safe haven ordinance made everything feel like it was all wrapped up perfectly.”
Arch and Column Pub owner Pitt Potter said the ordinance is a tremendous move forward and he can feel the enthusiasm in the community.
“I feel very proud that people in this town feel that way,” Potter said, “and I think that needs to be celebrated.”
Columbia mayor Barbara Buffaloe read a proclamation at Columbia City Hall Monday, stating that the city’s governing body declares June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Pride Month.
Anthony Plogger, the director of operations at Nclusion+, said the proclamation serves as not only acknowledgment of, but also recognition and visibility for, the LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s acknowledging that I am a valid human in this society as a small business owner, as an educator (and) as a citizen,” Plogger said. “Knowing that my existence is appreciated and valued is so important.”
Many Columbia Pride events take place during Mid-Missouri PrideFest in September, so college students may participate, however Plogger said there will be plenty of celebrations will be held in Columbia throughout June.
PrideFest member Julia Floyd said regardless of when celebrations are held, the most important thing is that Pride is celebrated and awareness is raised.
“I am very proud, and pleased, that Columbia is an open and welcoming city to people from all walks of life and actively demonstrates those qualities daily,” Floyd said. “Columbia has made it clear, from its declaration as a sanctuary city to its support of events like Pride celebrations, that it cares.”
Mid-Missouri PrideFest will hold its annual Drag pageant at 7 p.m. June 21 at the Blue Note. The 2024 PrideFest will be held on Sept. 28 and 29.
