Iron Pride in the Park is an opportunity for those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer people to unite, be visible, raise our voices and build community right here on the Iron Range. Our one-day event is a remembrance of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City that started the modern-day LGBTQ-rights movement. It also serves as an opportunity to demonstrate to those who feel isolated that none of us are not alone. We are strong and resilient. And we support one another. We build our chosen community. We support and welcome our allies who choose to walk along side us.
This year, we've chosen Visibility, Voices and Community as our festival theme.
Living in rural Northern Minnesota, it is easy to think there are few LGBTQ people on the Iron Range, but we are here. Living our lives. Many of us have felt that we need to be invisible so we can survive. But being invisible gives power to those who would hold us back. We will no longer agree to be invisible in the world. We must be seen. We demand equality. We fight for equality. Always.
When we aren't using our voices to tell our stories, our authentic lives get pushed aside. We've learned our silence can often equal death. That isn't acceptable. We will keep using our voices until we are heard. Sometimes it makes others around us uncomfortable. That's ok. Our voices are valid. Just like anyone else. And we WILL be heard.
As members of the larger LGBTQ-community, we strive to build safe-spaces for one another so we can share our strength and give support to each other. We will unite and provide refuge in times of pain and challenge. When the world is divided, we stand together in unity and love.
Marsha P. Johnson - instigator of the Stonewall Riots
