06/13/2023
After a first year in 2022 that exceeded expectations, and after a difficult legislative session for the LGBTQ+ community, Missoula Pride is returning June 14-18 around the city — everywhere from a rally at the steps of the courthouse to a roller disco at the fairgrounds and advocacy events at the Missoula Public Library and elsewhere.
2022 was the first year for the city-specific annual event. Andy Nelson, executive director of the Center, a LGBTQ+ community center, said one of the top questions he got at work was: "Why doesn't Missoula have a regular annual Pride?"
Heading into the first event, they were “cautiously optimistic,” according to Devin Carpenter, Pride co-director. “We were blown away at the response last year."
The expansive lineup of events drew an estimated 15,000 people over the weekend, and it was nominated for best festival in town.
This year, one of their goals was to bring in marquee talent and q***r artists. The lineup includes national and international acts like G Flip, Mija, Sinistarr, Anna Morgan and more.
"Because of how successful the first year was, we were willing to take the risk of investing in those," Carpenter said.
“While not everyone who’s on our lineup is q***r, we did also prioritize BIPOC artists,” he said. That was an important planning feature last year as well, and Pride lands just before the Juneteenth holiday.
As part of their lineup planning, BIPOC artists became "an unofficial undertone or theme for us this year,” he said.
Mainstay events like the Drag Brunch, the Pride Parade on Beartracks Bridge followed by a Main Street block party, and a roller derby and disco at the Missoula County Fairgrounds are all returning.
A majority of the events are free so anyone can attend regardless of their financial situation, which was achieved through many sponsorships.
Coming on the heels of a state legislative session with numerous bills that targeted LGBTQ+ rights, Nelson said they hope everyone shows up.
“We want everybody and their dog there,” Nelson said. “Especially in this political climate.”
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