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Columbia Community Connection was established in 2020 as a local, honest and digital news source providing meaningful stories and articles. CCC News’ primary goal is to inform and elevate all the residents and businesses of the Mid-Columbia Region. A rising tide lifts all boats, hop in!

Your Gorge Guide to Pride 2022

Your Gorge Guide to Pride 2022

By Cole Goodwin

Happy Pride Month from CCCNews!

June is a time for LGBTQIA+ communities across the U.S.A to come together to celebrate love and the freedom to be yourself.

Keep reading to learn more about Pride Month and to find Pride events near you.

History of Pride

The event first began as a way to honor the Stonewall uprising of June 1969 in New York City. On that day Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera helped to spark the modern gay rights movement by fighting back against police which had raided a gay bar in Greenwich.

The next year a march was held in memory of the Stonewall uprising, and Pride was born.

Nearly a decade later in 1978, artist and designer Gilbert Baker was commissioned by one of the first openly gay elected officials, Harvey Milk to make a rainbow flag for San Francisco’s upcoming Pride celebration. Thus the Pride flag was born.

Pride celebrates the things that have changed:

  • 2015: Gay marriage is federally legalized in the USA.

  • 2020: Oregon becomes the 14th state to ban the “gay panic” defense.

  • 2021: A federal Executive Order prohibits employer discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

And serves as a reminder of how far the U.S.A has to go in terms of equality and acceptance:

  • Basic freedoms are still missing in 29 states for LGBTQ Americans.

  • Over half of U.S. states can still deny LGBTQ+ Americans basic freedoms such as the right to receive medical care, receive public goods and services, and rent or purchase a home.

  • Consequently 40% of houseless youth identify as LGBTQ+.

  • And LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to be homeless than their straight peers.

Still there’s hope.

A landmark piece of civil rights legislation called the Equality Act, which was introduced into the legislature in February of 2021, would help to remedy these inequalities.

Pride has evolved overtime to encompass the shifting realities of LGBTQIA+ folx. So without further ado, however and whyever you’re celebrating this month: here’s your guide to June 2022 Pride Events!

Celebrate Pride in Community 

Join The Dalles Wasco County Library’s Pride Book Club
This book group reads LGBTQIA books and meets on the second Thursday of the month, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Books they’ve read in the past include The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch, Fingersmith by Sarah Walters, Dog Years by Mark Doty, and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris.

Learn more about the book club here

Support Local LGBTQIA+ Businesses and Nonprofits Show support for LGBT folx in your community by supporting their businesses and by supporting non-profits that work to create equality for LGBT folx in the Columbia River Gorge.

Some Local LGBT Owned Businesses Include:
Keath Silva
The Roasted Salt Co.
Immense Imagery

Some Non-Profits Providing Services to LGBT folx include:
Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance
Washington Gorge Action Programs
The Next Door

Get Free Pride Flags
When: Every Wednesday in Goldendale from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Meet Andrew Halm on the lawn in front of the Goldendale Circuit Courthouse to pick up your free Pride flags and learn more about Goldendale Pride!

Join a LGBTQIA+ Meditation Group
When: Every Sunday on Zoom at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Join Mt. Adams Buddhist Temple’s LGBTQIA+ meditation group on zoom for group meditation, offerings of metta, and discussion. 

Attend a Pride Poetry Reading
When: Monday, June 6th, 6 p.m.

Poetry reading and book signing featuring LGBTQ+ affiliated poets Christina Vega and Lydia Valentine, hosted by Creative Writing Club in the Bldg. 2 lecture hall at The Dalles Columbia Gorge Community College campus. Both poets’ anthologies will be available for free. 

Rainbow Run
When: Tuesday, June 7, 4 p.m.

The community is invited to join a color run on The Dalles CGCC campus. Participants can decorate themselves with the colors of Pride before parading around The Dalles Campus and adjacent Sorosis Park, and enjoy refreshments and music. Email EQUAL@cgcc.edu for accessibility accommodations. 

Make a Pronoun Pin
When: Wednesday, June 8, all day

Community members can create a button featuring their pronouns at CGCC library on The Dalles CGCC Campus at any time on Wednesday. Or they can head to Indian Creek Campus in Hood River and pick up a pronoun sticker while enjoying art, posters, and Pride decorations on both campuses. 

Get Coffee
When: Thursday, June 9, all day

Support Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance with your morning coffee at 10 Speed Coffee in Hood River! 20% of all sales will be donated to Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance.

Tacos and Texas Strong
When: Thursday, June 9, 12 p.m.

“Let’s taco ‘bout it.” Conceived as a way for participants to discuss and educate themselves on difficult topics in a supportive environment, this will focus on awareness of LGBTQ+ and transgender laws and rights, terminology, and mental health awareness in the LGBTQ+ community. It will begin at noon with tacos and a showing of Trans in America: Texas Strong. Afterward, there will be a facilitated Q&A. It will take place in The Hook cafe on The Dalles CGCC Campus, and will also be accessible via Zoom.Registration is required by following this link: https://cgcc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlcemgrDspHNTjYuiRo7rdtSP-Xn06m-FA 

Movie Night: Watch Crush
When: Friday, June 10, 5:30 p.m.

Pride week at CGCC concludes with the LGBTQ+ movie Crush in The Dalles CGCC Campus lecture hall, with complimentary popcorn from Associated Student Government. 

Pride at OMSI
When: Friday, June 10, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Join the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in celebrating our LGBTQ+ community. Pride at the Museum welcomes visitors of all ages for a night of Pride-inspired science demos, lectures, Drag performances, music, and complimentary admission to our featured exhibit, The World of da Vinci!

Get Tickets.

Rainbow Skate
When: Saturday June 11th at 10 a.m.

Roll out with Gorge Roller Derby at the Mosier Twin Tunnels!

LGBTQ+ Maker’s Market
When: Saturday, June 11th
THEYDIES AND GENTLETHEMS! Join Westwind Frame & Gallery for thier 2nd annual LGBTQ Makers Market! They've got art! They've got clothes! They've got a fab tintype photographer! And they've still got room for you if you have some cool shizz to sell! Surround yourselves with beauty, and poodles cuz this is how we do it!

Photo Credit: Joy Reyneke

LGBTQ+ Photoshoot in The Dalles
When: Saturday, June 11th 1 p.m. until midnight

LGBTQIA+ folx come on down to Joy Reyneke Photography in The Dalles to have your portrait taken! Then come back on the 26th to view the gallery!

Photo Credit: Joy Reyneke

Seattle Queer History Bike Ride
When: Sunday, June 12, 2022, 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

In partnership with The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and Cascade Bicycle Club, Certified Ride Leader and Historian Bob Svercl will lead a group of riders on a 5.6-mile bike tour from Capitol Hill through Pioneer Square to MoPOP. The ride will stop at historic and iconic sites around Seattle while Bob shares stories about Seattle’s LGBTQIA+ history.

Folks who want to continue their exploration of LGBTQIA+ stories and culture can leave their bike at the bike valet and head inside to see exhibits at MoPOP.

Registrants will get a promo code for two free tickets to MoPOP, valid through Labor Day.

Register here

Pulse Remembrance Day
When: Sunday, June 12th
June 12th marks the 6-year anniversary of the tragic Pulse Nightclub hate crime shooting in Orlando, FL. It is a day to honor the 49 lives that were lost and all of those affected by the Pulse tragedy.

A History of Black Drag in Portland: An evening of Conversation & Performance
When: Thursday, June 16th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at McMenamins Kennedy School Theater

An evening of conversation and performance. The panel includes Lawanda Jackson, Cicely, Maria Peters Lake, Sheniqua Volt with performances by Coco Jem Holiday, Nay Nay Leakes Cartier, and DJ Set by DJ No Bi. Es.

All Ages, Tickets $25, Virtual and In Person.
Get Tickets.


Pride Yoga
When: Friday, June 17th 6-7 p.m.

Calling all LGBTQIA+ folx and allies!
Flow Studio in Hood River is offering a queer-specific Pride Yoga class.

Proceeds from the class go towards supporting Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance, a program of the Next Door Incorporated.

Please pre-register here: https://www.flowhoodriver.com/pre-register-for-classes.html

Pricing for non-members of Flow Studio:

1) “Pride Yoga Drop-In” for $20 for the class payment option - all proceeds will go 100% to CGPA.
or

2) Or purchase an Introductory 6-Week Membership. 20% of all packages sold on Friday, June 17th, will also be donated to CGPA. If you’ve been thinking about practicing yoga, now is a great time: 6-Week Unlimited Memberships are just $60 ($10/week for unlimited class attendance)!

GAYLABRATION 2022 - DecaDANCE
When: Saturday, June 18th 9:00 p.m. - Late

The 10 Year Anniversary we've all been waiting for!

DJ Deanne getting the spring-loaded dance floor bouncing ALL. NIGHT. LONG.

Revol Artists LED Hoopers, GoGos! Aerialist, Zari Art augmenting your lewks with beautiful airbrush body paint!Laseronics visuals, Portland Productions enhancing the already beautiful McMenamins Crystal Ballroom with EPIC stage and experience design. Gaylabration.org 

Get Tickets.

Yakima Pride Festival & Parade
When: Saturday, June 18th, 2022 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

The Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Naches Parkway on N Naches Ave (between E Yakima Ave and E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.). The festival begins at 11 a.m. and will be utilizing the center park area, Naches Parkway, on this street for all our attendees!

The Main Stage will be located on Pendleton Way between The Seasons Performance Hall and the Yakima Pride Office. You can expect LIVE Music, Drag Performances, and much more!

More info

Portland Pride Waterfront Festival
When: Saturday, June 18th from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 19th from 11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate Pride in the City of Roses!

$8 Suggested Donation at Gate Entrance - Visa/MC/Cash Accepted 

Festival Gates are at SW Ash St and SW Harvey Milk St on SW Naito Parkway

All donations go to Making Pride Happen each year and to support Pride Northwest's year round programming. We are one of the largest donation based Pride festivals on the West Coast. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival

  • ALL attendees, age 5 years and older, are required to show proof of vaccination at the festival gate entrance as they enter the festival grounds. The following are acceptable as proof of full vaccination: 

  • Vaccination card (which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided, and date last dose administered) 

  • OR a photo of a vaccination card as a separate document 

  • OR a photo of the attendee’s vaccine card stored on a phone or electronic device

More info about Portland Pride 2022 Events.

Portland Pride Parade
When: Sunday, June 19, 2022 - 11:00 a.m. 

The parade steps off at NW Couch St and NW 8th Ave, traveling east down NW Couch St. Once the parade reaches Naito Pkwy it turns south and proceeds down to the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival.

More info.

Elysian Brewing Juneteenth Drag Brunch
When: Sunday June 19th, 2022 at the Elysian Capitol Hill pub
with the Divas of Brunch in Seattle! In addition to a drag show there will be plenty of activities and special menu items. Make sure to call and reserve a table as this fills up fast!

Darcelle XV & Company Drag Show
When: Monday, June 20th, 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
They're baaccckkkkk! Once again, the performers from World Famous Darcelle's in Portland will be back on the stage at Route 30!

Two shows, 6:30-8 & 8:30-10, June 20th! Tickets may only be purchased in person at Route 30. Tickets are $30 each, cash only. Last time they sold out within minutes of going on sale, so put this on your calendar if you want to see them this time. 

Gay Skate at Oaks Park
When: June 20th from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Oaks Park in Portland
$10 per skater

Roll out with your friends and loved ones to Oaks Park monthly Gay Skate Session, held the 1st and 3rd Monday nights of the month from 7-9:30 PM. Everyone is welcome at this all-ages event!

Admission tickets allow access to the Oaks Park Roller Rink for the selected Gay Skate Session date/time. Includes conventional skate rental.

Before purchasing tickets, review the Gay Skate Ticketing Policies. Tickets are available starting 40 days in advance.
Get Tickets.

Photo Credit: Beth Slowik

PRIDE Self-Love Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation
When: Wednesday, June 22nd from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
At Starseed Curiosities and Gifts, located at 404 Washington St. The Dalles, OR, 97058

This is a free event hosted by Empowered Woman TV in collaboration with The Next Door Inc.

At the event, holistic life coach, Beth Slowik, will discuss yoga nidra and it’s benefits and then guide participants through a 30 minute deep relaxation meditation session that is centered in self-love.

Guests need to bring their own yoga mat, blanket, and pillow or folded hand towel. (Beth will have a few to lend). This practice is done lying down and does not require any yoga experience or physical agility. Students will be led through the layers of their consciousness via body & breath awareness and guided visualization.

Get 20% off Cirque du Soleil Tickets
When: Thursday, June 23rd at 8 p.m.
Join Cirque du Soleil under the Big Top at Portland Expo Center for a very special night.

Alegria is one of the most iconic Cirque du Soleil productions, and it’s been reimagined for a new generation. This landmark production features jaw-dropping acrobatics  and incredible costumes and set designs. There are over 50 amazing artists in the show.

Celebrate Portland’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities, and save 20% off seats with promo code “PRIDE20”. A portion of proceeds will benefit Pride Northwest.

Buy Tickets.

Pride at RiverTap
When: Saturday, June 25th, from 11 a.m. to Midnight
Stop in at RiverTap in The Dalles for games, cornhole, treats, snowcones, rainbows, and of course great food and drink. Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance. 

Pride Paddle
When: Saturday, June 25th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate PRIDE on the water!

Join Camp Yes on your stand-up paddle board or kayak for a day of rainbows and sunshine!

Join here.

Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance Parade and Festival in The Dalles
When: Parade is Sunday, June 26th, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. the festival is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Festival Park in The Dalles
Arrive at 2nd st between Monroe and Madison between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Bring your rainbows, signs, and your fabulous selves!

Then spend time with your community at Lewis and Clark Festival Park! Meet LGBTQ+ folx in your area, listen to music, watch performers, buy from local LGBTQ+ artisans, get connected to local LGBTQ+ resources, get a gender affirming haircut and more!

Pride PaintNite
When: Wednesday June 29th

More information is coming soon! Check back to hear more details about this event at Starseed Curiosities and Gifts in The Dalles. :) 

Pride Prom
When: June 30th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Hood River

More information to come! Check back for more details!

Goldendale Pride
When: Thursday, July 23rd from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Dirty Cowgirl in Goldendale

Celebrate Goldedale’s 2nd Annual Pride at the Dirty Cowgirl!

Celebrate Pride At Home

Are you more of an introvert? Try these ways to celebrate Pride Month at home!

  • Take part in Kirsten Stewart’s “super gay ghost hunting” reality TV series casting call.

  • Learn about Queer Heros of the Pacific Northwest.

  • Read CCCNews Article on Marie Equi, local lesbian sufferagist, and Check Out Michael Helquist’s book, Marie Equi: Radical Politics and Outlaw Passions.

  • Check out the It Gets Better Project’s digital event lineup

  • Read poetry from a Hood River LGBTQ+ Poet

  • Learn how to start a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at your school

  • Join local Columbia River Gorge LGBT Youth Leadership! 

  • Support Local LGBTQIA+ Representation in local news by subscribing to CCCNews for as little as $1 a month.

  • Learn How to be an LGBTQIA+ Ally 

    • Ally is a verb. Being an ally isn’t just something you are, it's something you do. No one is perfect and we can all work towards being better allies to our friends and neighbors! So here are a few ways to practice being an ally this month.

    • Learn the importance of pronouns

    • Add your pronouns to your email signature. 

    • Adding your pronouns to your email signature helps normalize pronoun usage for trans and nonbinary folx. Not sure where to start? Check out these examples.

    • Read these 10 Ways to be an LGBT Ally or Vox's This is What a Good LGBT Ally looks like. 

    • Learn about LGBTQ Equality in your state using interactive maps. 

    • Check out LGBTMap.org to learn more about policies affecting legal equality for LGBT folx in your region. 

    • Learn about Indigenous Perspectives on LGBT Equality: Watch this video from the Northwest Portland Indian Health Board following three Indigenous Two-Spirit individuals from the Northwest Portland area as they journey towards self-acceptance, finding supportive healthcare, and finding communities that celebrate them.

Didn’t see your event listed? Email details and photos/flyers to cole@cccnews.com


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