Harrisonburg, Va.– On Sunday, Sept. 21 at 1 p.m., colorful flags and banners hung under and around Harrisonburg’s Turner Pavilion on South Liberty Street to celebrate pride surrounding the LGBTQ+ community and their identities.
Across the venue, stands were decorated with vibrant colors and attendees wore unique styles that challenged gender rules and standards.
“I’ve explored more in fashion,” festival attendee Grayson Preece said. “I started wearing some skirts, wearing some colors that are not traditionally worn by men.”
Preece said he was glad to have a space filled with acceptance, where he could feel more secure and supported with his identity and his journey.
There were attendees who wore outfits that held messages of hope and stories of inspiration to remind others that they are not alone. To them, their outfits were a form of advocacy.
Drag queen Kikiana Blunt from Rhinestone Productions wore a black, white and gold one-piece with high white boots. Blunt said musicals were the inspiration behind her outfits.
“Self-love and mental health,” Blunt said. “I’m always trying to promote self-awareness for all of us.”
Guests were also invited to make their way to the stage area where they could relax at a picnic table, play cornhole or watch the performances. On the opposite side of the venue, food trucks were lined up with options ranging from lemonade to pizza to fried Oreos for guests to enjoy.
Throughout the rows of stands, guests had the opportunity to browse through crochet stuffed animals, stickers, art prints, t-shirts and more made by small businesses and local artists. They were also encouraged to visit organizations for additional resources and support.
An article posted on Insight and Action Therapy stated that celebrating one’s identity can empower one’s self-esteem to improve well-being and self-image. This can be achieved by seeking support, practicing self care and other methods.
Small businesses and organizations were present at the event to form connections and show support for the LGBT+ community through their work.
“The fact that we were able to make our silly art, and then in the process we got to bring all these people together,” Dylan West of Critter Butts said.
West said Critter Butts, an artist shop, opened a physical store in Charlottesville that became a queer community center for support by offering resources to help others in need.
A study published in the Journal of Homosexuality found that activism allows healing from stress and trauma. Activism can also strengthen resilience through the help of social and community support.
The group who hosted the event, the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance, stated they are dedicated to creating a safe space where everyone can live authentically and proudly through advocacy and engagement. They host events and board meetings throughout the year in Harrisonburg.
