What is Pride Phoenix and Why It Matters in 2024

Pride Phoenix, a vibrant and inclusive event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, has returned to the city for 2025 after a two-year hiatus. This annual festival, which includes a colorful parade and a festival at Steele Indian School Park, brings together thousands of participants and spectators in a celebration of diversity, unity, and pride.

The Phoenix Pride Parade, set to take place on Sunday, Oct. 19, will begin at the intersection of Thomas Road and Third Street, moving north to end at Third Street and Indian School Road. With over 2,000 individual participants expected, the event promises to be a spectacle of creativity and expression. Spectators are encouraged to line the streets for the best views, with an estimated 15,000 people expected to attend.

The parade will be emceed by Priscilla Ornelas and Nick Ciletti, while the community grand marshal is Mayor Kate Gallego and the organization grand marshal is the Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The event will feature live performances, a dance pavilion, and an exhibitor marketplace, making it one of the most anticipated events in the Southwest.

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Pride Phoenix is more than just a celebration; it’s a vital opportunity to come together in a safe and welcoming space. After nearly two years of virtual events due to the pandemic, the return of in-person gatherings has been met with excitement and relief.

Jeremy Helfgot, spokesperson for Phoenix Pride, emphasized the importance of the event in bringing the community together. “The absence of that for the last two and a half years has left a pretty strong impact on our community,” he said. “This weekend is the antidote, we hope.”

The festival, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday at Steele Indian School Park, will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of Phoenix Pride. Headliners include Mýa, Neon Trees, and Deborah Cox, with admission priced at $30 for one day and $50 for two days. Children under 11 can attend for free.

Phoenix Pride has grown significantly since its inception in the 1980s, becoming one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in the region. Over 300 corporations and organizations support the festival, which attracts over 55,000 attendees each year. The event features 150+ performances across 7 stages, along with 300+ exhibitors offering diverse food, shopping, and community resources.

The festival also serves as a platform for educational outreach and advocacy, highlighting ongoing civil rights issues and promoting inclusivity. Sister Navi Ho, president of the Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, expressed her excitement for the event’s return. “To see people in the parade route and just see people cheering and having a great time and just loving who they are, I think that’s going to be the most amazing thing in the whole wide world to see,” she said.

In addition to the main festival, the event will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for outdoor gatherings, with personal protective equipment available on request. Rapid COVID-19 tests will be on-site at the health and wellness marketplace, and free vaccinations will be available for those who are eligible.

Ernie Mendoza, a volunteer and former president of Phoenix Pride, highlighted the significance of the event in revitalizing the community. “Being able to be out and be with other people that identify as yourself, similar in one way or another, is important because it makes them realize not all is lost,” he said.

As the city continues to grow and evolve, the LGBTQ+ community in Phoenix remains a vital part of its cultural fabric. The Homoculture Tour, which includes a stop in Phoenix, highlights the city’s strong LGBTQ+ presence and its integration into local businesses, spaces, and events.

With its rich history, vibrant celebrations, and commitment to inclusivity, Pride Phoenix stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community. As the event returns in 2025, it serves as a reminder of the power of unity, the importance of representation, and the enduring spirit of pride.

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