Hood River Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Community This June With Inclusive and Welcoming Pride Events
Pride Events Kick-off with the Visit Hood River First Friday Summer Series Pride Celebration June 2nd.
by Ashley Huckaby, of Visit Hood River.
(HOOD RIVER, Oregon.) — Beyond the picturesque scenery and abundant outdoor recreation, Hood River is a place that celebrates the diverse beauty of its residents and visitors. It is a community that believes in the right to live and travel freely, just as you are. In partnership with the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance, The Next Door, and the Hood River Hotel, Visit Hood River will celebrate these rights and the LGBTQIA+ community and visitors June 2-3 with a lineup of inclusive and welcoming events at the Hood River Pride Celebration.
The Hood River Pride Celebration is produced by the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance in conjunction with the Hood River Hotel, The Next Door, and Visit Hood River.
“Hood River is an incredible place to live and work, and the City is committed to the inclusion and celebration of its valued yet underrepresented community members,” says Hood River Mayor Paul Blackburn. “LGBTQIA+ youth and families need to know they belong in Hood River, and we are honored to support the celebration’s commitment to inclusivity.”
“We're excited to see the Hood River Pride Celebration return after a long hiatus. This is a milestone event for our community that has been years in the making. It would not be possible without the support of the LGBTQIA+ communities throughout the Gorge and allies and partners like the Hood River Hotel and Visit Hood River,” said Nik Portela, the program manager for Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance. “We invite our residents, allies, and visitors to celebrate and support our LGBTQIA+ communities safely and joyfully at this family-friendly event.”
The celebration will consist of pride-themed events held in downtown Hood River on Friday and Saturday, June 2-3, with a lineup that includes the following:
FRIDAY, JUNE 2:
5-8 p.m. -Visit Hood River First Friday Summer Series Pride Celebration
Held on Oak St. in downtown Hood River, the family-friendly event is free, open to the public, and will include a parade, local vendors, and live music from Ashley Flynn at 6:30 p.m.
For more information and parade registration, visit the Visit Hood River website, www.visithoodriver.com.
7-9 p.m. - “Tease: Burlesque Revue”
Join the Hood River Hotel for this debut, a show that is equally revealing and exciting. Featuring Zora Von Pavonie, Abby Go Lucky, Jaxin Ryan, Sandria Dior, and Romeo Bedwell, this drag revenue is not to be missed! This is a 21+ ticketed event; tickets are available on the Hood River Hotel website, https://hoodriverhotel.com/experiences/#!/.
After the Burlesque Revue 10 p.m.-1 a.m. - Pride Dance Party
Celebrate the weekend in the Hood River Hotel Emerald Room, where Mr. Elive will mix tunes to enjoy.
This is a 21+ ticketed event; tickets are available on the Hood River Hotel website, https://hoodriverhotel.com/experiences/.
SATURDAY, JUNE 3:
Doors open at 11 a.m., show starts at Noon - Diva Drag Brunch
Featuring an ALL-STAR cast and the best performers that Portland (and beyond) has to offer. Join the Hood River Hotel for the biggest and best Drag Brunch in the Pacific Northwest. Featuring drag, burlesque, acrobatics, live singing, and more!
This is a 21+ ticketed event; tickets are available on the Hood River Hotel website, https://hoodriverhotel.com/experiences/.
6-6:30 p.m. - Drag Storytime by the fireplace with Lylac; Bring the family to the Hood River Hotel lobby and enjoy story time with Lylac, a performer at the Diva Drag Brunch. Lilac will read children’s books picked especially for the event by the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance. This is a free all-ages event.
6-9 p.m. - Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance Youth Ball; Enjoy activities in the Hood River Hotel Emerald Room for all ages. All ages are welcome to celebrate pride with various activities, including karaoke, art activities, food and drinks, a bunkhouse chill room, and music. This is a free all-ages event.
“While there is no expectation that all community members participate in the celebratory events, we do ask and expect attendees to respect the work and programs the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance strives to provide to Hood River residents, youth, allies, businesses, and visitors,” said Katie Kadlub, CEO at Visit Hood River. “This celebration is rooted in encouragement, positivity, and acceptance, free from negativity, anger, or hate.”
Local businesses and organizations, including the Hood River Hotel, Visit Hood River, and The Next Door, are committed sponsors and committee members for the Pride Celebration. All proceeds from the events will continue to advance the goals and programs of the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance.
The Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance is a group of volunteers, organizations, and businesses that work to create a community where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual plus people thrive as healthy and equal members of society. It strives and advocates for respect, equity, and justice and to build a safe, peaceful, and culturally rich community for LGBTQIA+ people and allies.
“It takes courage to speak and live your truth. It requires vulnerability and the internal work to know oneself first,” said James Pearrow, general manager at the Hood River Hotel. “We at the Hood River Hotel celebrate inclusivity and want all to feel welcome under our roof for exactly who you are. As an LGBTQIA+ owned and operated business, we must support allyship and the advancement of our LGBTQIA+ guests and community.”
For more information on the Hood River Pride Celebration, ways to contribute, and Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance, visit the organization’s website https://nextdoorinc.org/cgpa/.
For more information on Visit Hood River and Hood River County Chamber of Commerce, visit www.visithoodriver.com.
About the Hood River Hotel
The Hood River Hotel is PROUD Certified through Booking.com and supports and allies with its LGBTQIA+ guests and community. For more information or to book your next visit or event at the Hood River Hotel, visitwww.hoodriverhotel.com.
Related reading: CGPA Announces 30 Days of Gay Pride Events in the Gorge
Click the link to read more about Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance’s 30 Days of Pride events occurring this June!
