Twin Cities Pride

Twin Cities Pride is an annual LGBTQ+ pride event held in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, typically attracting over 400,000 attendees, including Lady Gaga and Cher fans, and supported by organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. The event is one of the largest Pride parades in the United States, comparable to the New York City Pride and San Francisco Pride, and is endorsed by Minnesota politicians such as Amy Klobuchar and Ilhan Omar. The celebration is also backed by local businesses, including Target Corporation and 3M, and receives media coverage from outlets like the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press. As a prominent LGBTQ+ event, Twin Cities Pride has been recognized by The Advocate and Out Magazine.

● History

The history of Twin Cities Pride dates back to the early 1970s, when local LGBTQ+ activists, including Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, began organizing protests and rallies in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, inspired by the Stonewall riots in New York City. The first official Pride parade was held in 1972, with support from organizations like the Gay Liberation Front and the Daughters of Bilitis, and was attended by notable figures such as Harvey Milk and Bayard Rustin. Over the years, the event has grown in size and scope, with the involvement of local businesses, community groups, and politicians, including Walter Mondale and Hubert Humphrey. Today, Twin Cities Pride is one of the largest and most popular Pride events in the United States, rivaling the Los Angeles Pride and Chicago Pride, and is supported by national organizations like the National LGBTQ Task Force and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

● Organization

Twin Cities Pride is organized by a non-profit organization of the same name, which is composed of local LGBTQ+ community members, activists, and business leaders, including representatives from OutFront Minnesota and the Minnesota LGBT Therapists Network. The organization is responsible for planning and executing the various events and activities that take place during the celebration, including the Pride parade, Festival, and other community events, such as the Pride 5K and the Pride Festival Beer Garden. The organization also works to promote LGBTQ+ awareness and acceptance throughout the year, through partnerships with local schools, businesses, and community groups, including the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Public Schools. Twin Cities Pride has also collaborated with national organizations, such as the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Transgender Equality, to advance LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy.

● Events

Twin Cities Pride features a wide range of events and activities, including the Pride parade, Festival, and other community events, such as the Pride Kick-Off Party and the Pride Closing Party, which are attended by notable figures like RuPaul and Troye Sivan. The celebration also includes a variety of performances, exhibits, and workshops, showcasing local LGBTQ+ talent and creativity, and featuring organizations like the Minnesota Opera and the Walker Art Center. Additionally, Twin Cities Pride hosts a number of community events, such as the Pride Interfaith Service and the Pride Youth Dance, which are supported by local faith communities, including the United Church of Christ and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The event has also been recognized by national media outlets, including CNN and MSNBC, and has been endorsed by celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Neil Patrick Harris.

● Parade

The Pride parade is one of the main events of Twin Cities Pride, featuring a colorful procession of floats, marching bands, and community groups, including PFLAG and the Gay Men's Chorus of Minneapolis. The parade route runs through the streets of Minneapolis, passing by notable landmarks like the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the Walker Art Center, and is attended by thousands of spectators, including Minnesota politicians like Tim Walz and Angie Craig. The parade is led by a grand marshal, who is chosen for their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, and has included notable figures like Edie Windsor and Janet Mock. The parade is also supported by local businesses, including General Mills and UnitedHealth Group, and receives media coverage from outlets like the Minneapolis Star Tribune and KARE 11.

● Festival

The Festival is a two-day event that takes place in Loring Park, featuring a variety of food vendors, craft booths, and entertainment stages, including performances by local LGBTQ+ musicians and artists, such as Brent Amaker and the Rodeo and The Starfolk. The festival also includes a number of community exhibits and workshops, showcasing local LGBTQ+ organizations and resources, including OutFront Minnesota and the Minnesota LGBT Therapists Network. The festival is a popular destination for families and individuals of all ages, and offers a fun and welcoming atmosphere for everyone, with activities like the Pride Festival Kid's Zone and the Pride Festival Beer Garden. The festival has also been recognized by national organizations, including the National Park Service and the American Library Association, and has been endorsed by celebrities like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.

● Impact

Twin Cities Pride has a significant impact on the local LGBTQ+ community, providing a sense of visibility, acceptance, and belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies, and is supported by organizations like the Trevor Project and the It Gets Better Project. The event also generates significant economic benefits for the local economy, with thousands of attendees visiting from out of town and spending money at local businesses, including Target Corporation and 3M. Additionally, Twin Cities Pride helps to promote LGBTQ+ awareness and acceptance throughout the year, through partnerships with local schools, businesses, and community groups, including the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Public Schools. The event has also been recognized by national media outlets, including The New York Times and USA Today, and has been endorsed by politicians like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Overall, Twin Cities Pride is an important and beloved event that celebrates the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, and is supported by a wide range of organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Category:LGBT events in the United States