Grand Rapids Pride Center

We have extended our Prism Nominations form - you have even MORE time to nominate individuals and small businesses/nonprofits who are dedicated to serving and supporting 2-SLGBTQ+ folks in West Michigan! Tell us why they are Q***r of the Year, an Agitator, a GRPC Loyalist, or have a Not-So-Small Impact by September 6th, 2024 at 12PM.

Whatcha waiting for? Know someone who deserves their flowers? You can submit your nominations at https://forms.gle/DwBqXK9R2qxLLBjE7. Please do not nominate the same person or group for more than one category, but DO feel free to nominate someone or a group for each category! Finalists will be selected by a committee of 2-SLGBTQ+ peers from the West Michigan community and provided with a free ticket for themselves to attend the Prism Awards.

The 3rd annual Prism Awards takes place on October 3rd, 2024 at 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr., Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49525. Tickets are available at https://www.eventeny.com/events/3rd-annual-prism-awards-13215/!

[Image Description: The graphic is titled "Prism Nominations" in rainbow text, with the Prism Awards logo as the dot on the "i." The subtext reads the award categories; "Group: Not-So-Small Impact, Individual: Q***r of the Year, Individual: Loyalist, Individual: Agitator." A purple and blue star reads, "nominations EXTENDED!" Pictured is a photo of 2023 award winner birdie duka-tutambe and Executive Director Jazz McKinney.]

Here is what's happening this week at GRPC!

Image Description: A pale rainbow background with the text: "What's happening this week at GRPC? Mon 8/26: 2 - 4 PM GR Tenants Union Drop-in. Tues 8/27: 1 - 4 Pm West MI Works! Drop-in Hours; 7 - 9 pm Men's Social Group. Wed 8/28: 7 - 9 pm Youth Group. Thu 8/29: 2 - 4 pm Arbor Circle Drop-In. Fri 8/30: No events. Sat 8/31: 10:30 am - 12 pm: Children's Group. Sun 9/1: 1 - 2:30 pm Timeless Pride Connections." In the top left-hand corner is the Grand Rapids Pride Center logo.

We have another Health Equity in Action (HEA) event coming up this week! HEA takes place monthly on the 4th Thursday of each month. This Thursday, we are covering what to expect, and what they forget to tell you about when transitioning.

Violet Hiltunen, Ollie Robison (GR Pride Center), Ximón Kittok (GR Trans Foundation), and therapist Victoria Fisher will be our panel tonight on the topic, make sure you join us from 5:45PM-6:30PM - you won’t want to miss it!

We’ll also have Cherry Health Americorps Cam’Ryn Robinson from 4:00PM-7:00PM, who will be offering Medicaid and SNAP enrollment and support. Kent County Health Department will be joining as well for STI testing from 4:30PM-6:30PM.

Masks are highly encouraged and appreciated for this event! As always, our pantries will be open, dinner will be provided, and Fern the Support Pug will be around.

See you this Thursday at our homebase (343 Atlas Ave SE)!

Image 1: A thin white-appearing person with short-blonde hair & a bold lip color, large gold earrings, & pale pink shirt & jacket cradles their face with their hands. Text says, "Health Equity in Action" & includes date, time, location, & event information that is also in the caption.

Image 2: A blue to white ombre background with text overlay that gives details of the Panel, the Medicaid/SNAP Enrollment & Support, and the STI Testing services that will be available; all information is also in the caption.

Here is what's happening this week at GRPC!

Image description: A pale rainbow background with the text: "What's happening this week at GRPC? Mon 8/19: 7 - 9 pm Young Adult Group. Tue 8/20: 11 AM - 3 PM Equality Michigan Drop-In; 10 AM - 4 PM Medicaid Navigation Support. Wed 8/21: 7 - 9 pm Youth Group; 7:15 - 8:45 PM Caregiver's Group. Thu 8/22: 2 - 4 PM Arbor Circle Office Hours; 4:30 - 6:30 PM STI Testing w/ KCHD; 5 - 7:30 PM HEA Event: Transition: Everything They Forgot to tell You. Fri 8/23: No events. Sat 8/24: 10:30 AM - 12 PM Children’s Group, 7 - 8:30 Pm Own Your Gender; Sun 8/25: 10 am - 12 pm Facilitator Training." In the top left-hand corner is the Grand Rapids Pride Center logo.

You've STILL got time to nominate individuals and groups who are dedicated to serving and supporting 2-SLGBTQ+ folks in West Michigan. We are hosting our 3rd annual Prism Awards on October 3rd, an opportunity to celebrate and showcase our community's collective impact!

You can submit your nominations at https://forms.gle/DwBqXK9R2qxLLBjE7. Please do not nominate the same person or group for more than one category, but DO feel free to nominate someone or a group for each category!

Last year's winners are NOT eligible to win the same award again, but can be nominated for others. Finalists will be selected by a committee of 2-SLGBTQ+ peers from the West Michigan community.

Finalists will be notified by Friday, August 30th and be provided with a free ticket for themselves to attend the Prism Awards.

The 3rd annual Prism Awards takes place on October 3rd, 2024 at 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr., Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49525. Tickets are available at https://www.eventeny.com/events/3rd-annual-prism-awards-13215/!

[Image Description: The graphic is titled "Prism Nominations" in rainbow text, with the Prism Awards logo as the dot on the "i." The subtext reads the award categories; "Group: Not-So-Small Impact, Individual: Q***r of the Year, Individual: Loyalist, Individual: Agitator." On a green and yellow star shape reads, "tickets on sale NOW!" Pictured is a photo of 2023 award winners birdie duka-tutambe, Ximon Kittok, and Nikita Miner.]

AAAAND we got a STACKED list of performers on our stage tomorrow! Here's your schedule for QTPOC da Block!

2:00PM Opening w/ Jazz McKinney
2:10PM DJ KIKI
3:00PM NIckoDaGreat
3:15PM D. Bunny (BAM Talent)
3:40PM Mamser
4:00PM Chaunte Entertainment (DeeDee Chaunte, Jeena Doucure-Chaunte, Cocoa Cola Caliente, Cocky Divine, Petty Divine, Dice Santana)
5:00PM Karaoke
6:00PM - 8:00PM DJ Venus Flyytrap

QTPOC da Block is an all ages and cook-out style community function centering chosen family, joy, and music for all BIPOC, 2-SLGBTQ+ folks. It takes place TOMORROW, Saturday, August 17th at the Grand Rapids Pride Center and all down Atlas Ave. In awareness and celebration of Black August, we look forward to gathering in celebration of one another, our ancestors, and with our future liberation in mind.

Come anytime between 2PM - 8PM to enjoy vendors, food, games, resources, performances and more throughout the day. This event is FREE, bring a loved one and come party! This is a closed event, meaning we ask that our allies in the community find other ways to support at this time to allow QTPOC (q***r and trans people of color) to hold space with one another intentionally.

[Image description: The graphic centers the title "QTPOC da Block" with three stacked distorted photos of BIPOC community members from various Grand Rapids Pride Center events. It is titled "schedule" with the above listed performers and times.]

Coming to QTPOC da Block tomorrow? We will be giving away a couple of free tickets to tomorrow's Glitz and Giggles, starring Alyssa Edwards, thanks to GLC Live at 20 Monroe! Come hang out with us during the day, and end your night off downtown with local and national drag icons!

Enter our raffle at the event by 5PM for your chance to win. We'll see you there!

"Alyssa Edwards stars in Glitz and Giggles! Join RuPaul's Drag Race's + RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars icon, Alyssa Edwards for an evening of sickening looks, laughs, and fun.

Alyssa will perform a gag worthy opening and closing number and delight the audience with original comedy and storytelling. Get ready for Glitz and Giggles! Alyssa will be supported by a fantastic cast of local entertainers: Lucy Stoole (host), Alex Suarez, Gabriella Stratton Galore, and Caj Monet. The entire show is approximately two hours. Bring your dollars to tip the queens!

All ages welcome! Doors open 7:00pm, show begins 8:00pm."

You can also snag tickets at flipphoneevents.com/alyssa

[Image description: The graphic is titled "Alyssa Edwards Glitz & Giggles Tour," with large a picture of Alyssa Edwards on the top half. Lucy Stoole, Alex Suarez, Gabriella Stratton Galore, and Caj Monet are also featured in the graphic, as well as a link to the tickets, listed above in the description. On the bottom right corner are further details of the event, "Saturday, August 17th, 8PM. GLC Live, 11 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI."]

Tomorrow's the day! Take a look at the exciting list of vendors we'll have for you at QTPOC da Block!

Take Time Studio
Fotis Art
Maya James Art
Is.Fifty3 Co.
With Justice for All
Grand Rapids Alliance
Night n Daze
Moore2Love Doula
Resinature Creations

QTPOC da Block is an all ages and cook-out style community unction centering chosen family, joy, and music for all BIPOC, 2-SLGBTQ+ folks. It takes place TOMORROW, Saturday, August 17th at the Grand Rapids Pride Center and all down Atlas Ave. In awareness and celebration of Black August, we look forward to gathering in celebration of one another, our ancestors, and with our future liberation in mind.

Come anytime between 2PM - 8PM to enjoy vendors, food, games, resources, performances and more throughout the day. This event is FREE, bring a loved one and come party! This is a closed event, meaning we ask that our allies in the community find other ways to support at this time to allow QTPOC (q***r and trans people of color) to hold space with one another intentionally.

[Image description: The graphic centers three stacked distorted photos of BIPOC community members from various Grand Rapids Pride Center events. It is titled "vendors" with the above listed vendors. The event name "QTPOC the Block" is under the list, followed by the date and time of the event: Saturday, August 17th, from 2PM - 8PM.]

Have you gotten your nominees in? The Grand Rapids Pride Center invites the Greater Grand Rapids community to nominate individuals and groups who are dedicated to serving and supporting 2-SLGBTQ+ folks in West Michigan. We are hosting our 3rd annual Prism Awards on October 3rd, an opportunity to celebrate and showcase our community's collective impact!

You can submit your nominations at https://forms.gle/DwBqXK9R2qxLLBjE7. Please do not nominate the same person or group for more than one category, but DO feel free to nominate someone or a group for each category!

Last year's winners are NOT eligible to win the same award again, but can be nominated for others. Nominations are due by 11:59PM on Friday, August 16th. Finalists will be selected by a committee of 2-SLGBTQ+ peers from the West Michigan community.

Finalists will be notified by Friday, August 30th and be provided with a free ticket for themselves to attend the Prism Awards.

The 3rd annual Prism Awards takes place on October 3rd, 2024 at 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr., Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49525. Tickets are available at https://www.eventeny.com/events/3rd-annual-prism-awards-13215/!

[Image Description: Graphic 1 is titled "Prism Awards '24" in rainbow text, with the Prism Awards logo as the dot on the "i." It lists the date, time and location of the awards ceremony. Pictured in the center is DeeDee Chaunte, performer of the 2023 Prism Awards ceremony. Graphic 2 is titled "Prism Nominations" with the same color story and logo placement as the previous graphic. The subtext reads the award categories; "Group: Not-So-Small Impact, Individual: Q***r of the Year, Individual: Loyalist, Individual: Agitator." On a green and yellow star shape reads, "tickets on sale NOW!" Pictured is a photo of 2023 award winners birdie duka-tutambe, Ximon Kittok, and Nikita Miner.]

📷: Q***r Lenz Photography

We're still accepting vendors for QTPOC da Block this weekend! Click the link in our bio to snag your spot while we've got some left!

The Grand Rapids Pride Center BIPOC Pride committee is bringing back the second iteration of QTPOC da Block, an all ages and cook-out style community function centering chosen family, joy, and music for all BIPOC, 2-SLGBTQ+ folks. QTPOC da Block takes place on Saturday, August 17th. This year, our theme is centered around Black August, a month-long awareness campaign and celebration dedicated to Black freedom fighters, revolutionaries, radicals, and political prisoners, both living and deceased. We look forward to gathering in celebration of one another, our ancestors, and with our future liberation in mind.

QTPOC da Block is an open-house style event! You can drop by anytime between the hours of 2PM - 8PM. We’ll have vendors, food, games, resources, performances and more throughout the day. This all takes place at the Grand Rapids Pride Center at 343 Atlas Ave SE, and the majority of the block of Atlas Avenue. This event is FREE, so bring a loved one and come party!

This is a closed event, meaning we ask that our allies in the community find other ways to support at this time to allow QTPOC (q***r and trans people of color) to hold space with one another intentionally.

[Image description: The top of the graphic reads "still accepting vendors!" and centers three, side-by-side, distorted photos of BIPOC community members from various Grand Rapids Pride Center events, where the title "QTPOC da Block" is written above and below the images. The rest of the image stages the details of the event, listed above in the accompanying description.]

Here is what's happening this week at GRPC!

Image description: A pale rainbow background with the text "What's happening this week at GRPC? Mon 8/12:No events. Tues 8/13: 5:30 - 7:30 PM HIV & Hep.C Testing w/ Red Project; 7 - 9 PM Men’s Group. Wed 8/14: 7 - 9 pm Youth Group. Thurs 8/25: 2 - 4 Arbor Circle Office Hours; 7 - 9 PM Women’s Group. Fri 8/16: 6 - 9 PM En Femme. Sat 8/17: 10:30 AM - 12 PM Children’s Group; 2 - 8 PM QTPOC da Block!. Sun 8/18: No events." In the top left-hand corner is the Grand Rapids Pride Center logo.

Here is what's happening this week at GRPC!

Image description: A pale rainbow background with the text "What's happening this week at GRPC? Mon 8/5: 7 - 9 pm Young Adult Group. Tues 8/6: 10 am - 4 pm Medicaid Navigation Support. Wed 8/7: 7 - 9 pm Youth Group; 7:15 - 8:45 Caregiver's Group @ Trinity United Methodist. Thurs 8/8: 2 - 4 pm Arbor Circle Office Hours; 6:30 - 8 pm Trans Youth Group. Fri 8/9: 8 - 9 pm BIPOC Young Adult Group. Sat 8/10: 10:30 am - 12 pm Children's Group; 7 - 8:30 pm Own Your Gender. Sun 8/11: No events." In the top left-hand corner is the Grand Rapids Pride Center logo.

The Grand Rapids Pride Center BIPOC Pride committee is bringing back the second iteration of QTPOC da Block, an all ages and cook-out style community function centering chosen family, joy, and music for all BIPOC, 2-SLGBTQ+ folks. QTPOC da Block takes place on Saturday, August 17th. This year, our theme is centered around Black August, a month-long awareness campaign and celebration dedicated to Black freedom fighters, revolutionaries, radicals, and political prisoners, both living and deceased. We look forward to gathering in celebration of one another, our ancestors, and with our future liberation in mind.

QTPOC da Block is an open-house style event! You can drop by anytime between the hours of 2PM - 8PM. We’ll have vendors, food, games, resources, performances and more throughout the day. This all takes place at the Grand Rapids Pride Center at 343 Atlas Ave SE, and the majority of the block of Atlas Avenue. This event is FREE, so bring a loved one and come party!

This is a closed event, meaning we ask that our allies in the community find other ways to support at this time to allow QTPOC (q***r and trans people of color) to hold space with one another intentionally.

[Image description: The graphic centers three, side-by-side, distorted photos of BIPOC community members from various Grand Rapids Pride Center events, where the title "QTPOC da Block" is written above and below the images. The rest of the image stages the details of the event, listed above in the accompanying description.]

The Grand Rapids Pride Center invites the Greater Grand Rapids community to nominate individuals and groups who are dedicated to serving and supporting the 2-SLGBTQ+ in West Michigan. We are hosting our 3rd annual Prism Awards on October 3rd - an opportunity to celebrate and showcase our community's collective impact.

Please do not nominate the same person or group for more than one category, but DO feel free to nominate someone or a group for each category! https://forms.gle/T66xCbhPkckpqkt8A

Last year's winners are NOT eligible to win the same award again, but can be nominated for others. Nominations are due by 11:59PM on Friday, August 16th. Finalists will be selected by a committee of 2-SLGBTQ+ peers from the West Michigan community.

Finalists will be notified by Friday, August 30th and be provided with a free ticket for themselves to attend the Prism Awards.

The 3rd annual Prism Awards takes place on October 3rd, 2024 at 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525. Tickets are available at https://www.eventeny.com/events/3rd-annual-prism-awards-13215/

[Image Description: The main graphic is titled "Prism Nominations," in rainbow text, with the Prism Awards logo as the dot on the "i" in "Prism." The subtext reads the award categories; "group: Not-So-Small Impact, individual: Q***r of the Year, individual: Loyalist, individual: agitator." On a green and yellow star shape reads, "tickets on sale NOW!" Pictured is a photo of 2023 award winners birdie duka-tutambe, Ximon Kittok, and Nikita Miner.

Image 2 reads, "Agitator: As a seeker of justice, this individual is continually fighting against systems of oppression to make West Michigan a more inclusive and welcoming place. 2023 Winner: Nikita Miner, 2022 Winner: Sam Przybylski."

Image 3 reads, "Loyalist: A loyal Grand Rapids Pride Center volunteer (including facilitators and board members) who goes above and beyond to serve without hesitation. 2023 Winner: Lucy Dyer-Joswick, 2022 Winner: Adrienne Brown-Reasner."

Image 4 reads, "Q***r of the Year: This individual both embodies the spirit of positive, sustainable change and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to dismantling systems of oppression. Through their dedication, they have become a beacon of inspiration within the community, exemplifying what it means to be a true leader and advocate. 2023 Winner: birdie duka-tutambe, 2022 Winner: Eleanor Moreno."

Image 5 reads, "Not-So-Small Impact: This nonprofit, small business, or grassroots organization has advocated for and improved the lives of 2-SLGBTQ+ community members. 2023 Winner: Grand Rapids Trans Foundation, 2022 Winner: Lotus Brew & Malamiah Juice Bar.]

Social group alert 📲Timeless Pride Connections is a social space for 2-SLGBTQ+ folks ages 45+ to find community, share experiences, and access resources. The group takes place on the first Sunday of the month from 1:00PM - 2:30PM at the Grand Rapids Pride Center (343 Atlas Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505). ♾️

[Image description: There are four older, 2-SLGBTQ+ adults color-graded to match a pastel gradient background. Image includes the time, place, date, and general details of the group written above.]

Here is what's happening this week at GRPC!

Image description: A pale rainbow background with the text: "What's happening this week at GRPC? Mon 7/29: No events. Tues 7/30: No events. Wed 7/31: 7 - 9 pm Youth Group. Thurs 8/1: 2 - 4 pm Arbor Circle Office Hours; 7 - 9 pm Women's Group. Fri 8/2: 6 - 9 pm En Femme. Sat 8/3: 10:30 - 12 pm Children's Group. Sun 8/4: 1 - 2:30 pm Timeless Pride Connections." In the top left-hand corner is the Grand Rapids Pride Center logo.

Here is what's happening this week at GRPC!

Image description: A pale rainbow background with the text: "What's happening this week at GRPC? Mon 7/22: No events. Tues 7/23: 7 - 9 PM Men’s Social Group. Wed 7/24: 4 - 8 PM Mobile SOS @ Gr Masonic Center; 7 - 9 PM Youth Group. Thurs 7/25: 2 - 4 PM Arbor Circle Office Hours; 4 - 7 PM Medicaid Navigation Support; 4:30 - 6 PM STI Testing w/ KCHD; 5 - 7:30 PM HEA Event: Why Providers ask Demographics. Fri 7/26: 7 - 9 PM BIPOC Young Adult Group. Sat 7/27: 10:30 AM - 12 PM Children’s Group; 7 - 9 PM Own Your Gender. Sun 7/28: No events." In the top left-hand corner is the grand Rapids Pride Center logo.

Here is what's happening this week at GRPC!

Image description: A pale rainbow background with the text: "What's happening this week at GRPC? Mon 7/15: 7 - 9 PM Young Adult Group. Tues 7/16: 10 AM - 4 PM Medicaid Navigation Support; 11 AM - 3 PM Equality Michigan Support. Wed 7/17: 7 - 9 PM Youth Group; 7:15 - 8:45 PM Caregiver’s Group at Trinity United Methodist Church. Thurs 7/18: 2 - 4 PM Arbor Circle Office Hours; 7 - 9 PM Women’s Group. Fri 7/19: 6 - 9 pm En Femme. Sat 7/20: 10:30 AM - 12 PM Children’s Group. Sun 7/21: No events." In the top left-hand corner is the Grand Rapids Pride Center logo.

Thank you for an incredible Pride month of being naturally q***r 🦋🌿🌈✨

The Grand Rapids Pride team is entering into a weeklong period of rest and rejuvenation after a booked, busy, and beautiful Pride month. Our office is closed beginning July 1st, and will not be reopened until our staff returns on Monday, July 8th.

The business: Please check in with your group facilitator to know if your group will be running or not next week, or if there are any other changes that you should be aware of. You may also see our team posting on social media catching up to highlighting our entertainers, showcasing our vendors, or thanking our sponsors - these are scheduled, we are still offline and will not be answering emails, messages, or comments to honor our rest. See you in July!

The fun: We had an amazing month of celebrating with you! Our staff have been in awe from witnessing the newly blossoming and longstanding events across Grand Rapids, and are thankful for every invite we have had to participate in these community gatherings. Grand Rapids continues to grow itself as a pocket in the Midwest that celebrates all within the 2-SLGBTQ+ community. This year, we have witnessed new opportunities, collaborations, events, and gatherings take place, keeping our city as vibrant as ever - we can not wait to see how this continues to unfold for years to come.

We thank our staff, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, entertainers, and of course our patrons for helping us put on our busiest Pride Festival yet! We didn't let rain stop us, and we all had a blast from beginning to end with you. We couldn't have done this without any of you.

What was your favorite part of the 2024 Grand Rapids Pride Festival? What does Q***r is Natural mean to you?

Comment below!

Social group alert! 📲 Timeless Pride Connections is a social space for 2-SLGBTQ+ folks ages 45+ to find community, share experiences, and access resources. The group takes place on the first Sunday of the month from 1:00PM - 2:30PM at the Grand Rapids Pride Center (343 Atlas Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505). ♾️

We also want to take a moment to address concerns of our initial rollout of this social group. We've created a F.A.Q. for you to read through and are always open to answering any additional questions that may come up when deciding whether or not this group is a right fit for you! Swipe through the photoset or read the image description below:

[Image description: All backgrounds are the same in all images. There are four older, 2-SLGBTQ+ adults color-graded to match a pastel gradient background.

Photo 1 includes the time, place, date and general details of the social group written above.

Photo 2 text: "Frequently asked questions. Why not 'Elder's Group' anymore? The original social group launch did not land well with the community for a multitude of reasons, mainly because we were not clear who the group was created for! Though the group was always created with folks ages 45+ in mind, many did not feel represented by the name or our marketing for the group.

Photo 3 text: "Why was 'elder' originally used? Elder can be defined in many ways through different cultures. In some communities, the term 'elder' is not defined by age, but by experience and relativity. Historically, 'elder' has been skewed younger or 2-SLGBTQ+ folks due to sociopolitical climates impacting our ability to envision a longer life expectancy."

Photo 4 and 5 answer, "Why is Timeless Pride Connections for ages 45+?" "Ages 45+ is a great time to begin developing a support network that will carry you into aging. 2-SLGBTQ+ adults are more likely to live alone and less likely to have children than cishet adults. In addition, we are more likely to face life-threatening conditions and co-morbidities at much younger ages. 2-SLGBTQ+ folks of all ages are also more likely to be in caregiving roles. We recognize the need to be in space with people who share commonalities and understanding. Timeless Pride Connections connect 2-SLGBTQ+ adults by experiences because our wisdom can not solely be represented by our age."

Photo 6 concludes: "I still do not feel represented by this group, what should I do? If this group does not resonate with you, it is not for you - and that is okay! All of our groups are peer-led and most have been initiated by a community member to get started. If you are interested in starting a group that you believe is missing, contact us at [email protected]]

Community members & volunteers - we need YOU! ❤️

The Grand Rapids Pride Center staff still has a busy month ahead of us for all things Pride Month and post-Pride Festival, but we have a U-Haul full of Pride Festival gear that needs to be unloaded!

We need volunteers from 10AM - 4PM at the Grand Rapids Pride Center TOMORROW, Tuesday, June 25th to help us unload so our team can get some physical rest and get back to our regularly scheduled events.

We hope to see you there! 343 Atlas Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

[Image Description: Graphic headlines, “Grand Rapids Pride Festival 2024” in green and pink text. Underneath the title is a text box that reads “Volunteers needed TOMORROW, Tuesday, 06/25 from 10AM-4PM at the Grand Rapids Pride Center to unload the Pride Festival U-Haul!” On top of the box is an illustration of lips saying, “We need YOU!” in a speech bubble.]

🌈🦋Performance Announcement: Luz De La Rica 🌿🌸 ***rIsNatural

Luz De La Rica is a West Michigan based actress, vocalist, writer and drag performer. She is proudly Afro-Latina, of Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage. As a published writer, Luz is currently working with publishing company Pilgrim Press to release a collection of poetry that reflects the intersection of q***rness, race, faith, doubt, and resilience. She holds the reigning title of Ms. Allegan Pride 2023.

Grand Rapids Pride Festival will be taking over Calder Plaza TOMORROW for its 36th year on June 22nd, 2024! This year at the Grand Rapids Pride Center’s largest fundraiser, we lean towards movements that represent our strides towards freedom and push the needle closer to liberation.

[Image Description: The Grand Rapids Pride Festival entertainer border frames a photo of Luz De La Rica. The pink frame details information above the event: Saturday 6/22, 12PM - 10PM, all ages, Calder Plaza on Ottawa Ave. There is an illustrated disco ball at the bottom of the graphic.]

🌈🦋Performance Announcement: Giza was Here🌿🌸 ***rIsNatural

Giza was Here (Giza for short) is a native Grand Rapidian, q***r artist. A loud and proud advocate, Giza has just finished their debut performance for Woodstock Fest GR - a local benefit festival, aimed to financially uplift trans members of the community, and cannot be more excited to be a part of the 2024 Pride Festival stage. Giza has been attending this festival since they were 16 years old. 

Giza Was Here has made a strong statement with their testimony of lyrics and their own personal sound of heartbreak. Getting Older, Growing Bitter is their debut EP set to release by summer 2024; executively produced by Ryan Jamgotch at Electric Moon Studios - with help of Erick Krueger (The Hackey Turtles) and Mak Mattis (Camaram).

Giza takes time to develop relationships with other musicians, artists, and community; collaboration has always been a main focus of their artistic vision. Working with local creatives with music, film and visual art forms, Giza Was Here hopes to be an impactful artist from the start. You can find them active on Instagram and Tiktok ().

Grand Rapids Pride Festival will be taking over Calder Plaza TOMORROW for its 36th year on June 22nd, 2024! This year at the Grand Rapids Pride Center’s largest fundraiser, we lean towards movements that represent our strides towards freedom and push the needle closer to liberation.

[Image Description: The Grand Rapids Pride Festival entertainer border frames a photo of Giza was Here. The pink frame details information above the event: Saturday 6/22, 12PM - 10PM, all ages, Calder Plaza on Ottawa Ave. There is an illustrated disco ball at the bottom of the graphic.]

🌈🦋Performance Announcement: Sydney Smith 🌿🌸 ***rIsNatural

Sydney Smith is a standup comedian and writer from Grand Rapids, MIchigan who loves awkwardness, honesty and current events. In her spare time, Sydney is usually frowning (hates spare time). Sydney has been a semifinalist in the Funniest Person in Grand Rapids contest and Golden Ticket Comedy Contest and has been seen in New York City’s Q***r Comedy Festival, Detroit Women of Comedy Festival, Laughfest, Lass Laugh Comedy Festival, Stoopfest and more. She has been a featured performer at the Holland and Grand Rapids Pride festivals.

Grand Rapids Pride Festival will be taking over Calder Plaza TOMORROW for its 36th year on June 22nd, 2024! This year at the Grand Rapids Pride Center’s largest fundraiser, we lean towards movements that represent our strides towards freedom and push the needle closer to liberation.

[Image Description: The Grand Rapids Pride Festival entertainer border frames a photo of Sydney Smith. The pink frame details information above the event: Saturday 6/22, 12PM - 10PM, all ages, Calder Plaza on Ottawa Ave. There is an illustrated disco ball at the bottom of the graphic.]