Emporia’s First Annual Pride Pride

Posted on Jun 18, 2021 by LeLan Dains, Director

We had the chance to catch up with the Director of Emporia Community Action, Emily Velazquez to talk about a historic moment in Emporia history. This weekend the community will be celebrating its first ever Pride Festival. We certainly wanted to know more about how this started and what to expect.

This is the first ever Pride Festival in Emporia, how did this come about?

The PRIDE Festival came about by the Emporia Community Action members wanting to show support and make a difference in the LGBTQ+ Community in Emporia and neighboring towns.

What activities are taking place?

A PRIDE Parade will take place beginning at 7th and Commercial street at 6:00 p.m. Anyone is welcomed to join the PRIDE Parade! At 8 p.m. the Drag Show will begin at Bourbon Cowboy.

You’ve got some special guests coming to Emporia, tell us about them.

Our special guest include our Grand Marshall of the Parade also known as Miss Gay Kansas Deja Brooks and Kansas City Drag Queen Q.

What are you hoping for from this first time event?

What we are hoping from this event is to shine light on the LGBTQ+ Community in Emporia and neighboring towns to have all belonging groups know they are welcome and loved in our community!

What future plans does this group have, if any?

Future plans we have as a group is to provide every year a PRIDE Parade and Drag Show to the community.

Where can people find more information?

People can find more information on our Facebook Page: Emporia Community Action