Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance to Host “A (K)night in Camelot”

by Cole Goodwin

Hood River, Ore., October 31, 2023 – Break out your chain mail and polish your jousting stick! Columbia Gorge Pride Youth Council is back with another free all ages dance. Festivities will kick off at Hood River Hotel at 102 Oak St on November 11 at 6 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. There will be a medieval and renaissance faire themed dance, drag, food, crafts and opportunities for attendees to show off their bard skills.

The event is sponsored by Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace and Coalición Hispana de Odell and Hood River Hotel. 

“Last year, the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance Youth Council held the Gothic Masqueerade dance as a "Second-Chance Prom" type event. The intent was to offer an inclusive space for queer folks of all ages to have a night of fun as their authentic selves,” said Kit Clasen, Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance Project Coordinator. 

Clasen shared that the event was being put on as a result of surveying done by their Youth Council. The survey found there was high demand for queer inclusive spaces and events. 

“Since the dance last year, the Youth Council has conducted an LGBTQIA2S+ Community Needs Assessment for the Columbia Gorge, the first of its kind. Through survey results and listening sessions, the CGPA Youth Council identified that there is a serious need for queer spaces and opportunity for community connection. This data along with the success of last year's dance are why the Youth Council are putting on another free, all-ages dance,” shared Clasen.

Clasen encouraged the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to come out and enjoy a fun event at Hood River Hotel on November 11th.