After more than a year battling the Coronavirus pandemic, LGBTQ+ groups like Out On The Lakeshore say there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for Pride celebrations.
The group’s director, Jeffery Sorensen, told WGVU this summer is a way to make up for lost time, while also elevating the importance of inclusion.
“The loose theme we’re using this year is celebrating our diversity. So much happened last year revolving around race and the LGBT community, and so many different minorities, that we said Pride Month doesn’t always have to be between the LGBT community. There’s so many intersecting identities,” Sorensen said.
Events like the Run with Pride 5k will kick off in June, but unlike year prior, 2021 celebrations will run throughout the summer into August, with a Pride Open House at Centennial Park in Holland and Drag show in Saugatuck.
Pride Month was officially recognized by the City of Holland this week by Mayor Nathan Bocks. Sorensen said the move helped highlight the longtime work of advocates in the community.
“Not only did we pass the nondiscrimination ordinance last year, the mayor has done a lot of great work in promoting diversity and inclusion in Holland,” he said.
Sorensen said he and his team of volunteers have worked to create events that keep the spirit of Pride alive all summer long. A full list of events and times can be found here.
