GASTONIA, N.C. — Members of the local LGBT community will hold their first-ever Pride events this weekend, with activities including a march through downtown, panel discussions, a celebration dinner and a Sunday picnic.
“One of the goals of this year’s pride event is to educate the local citizens on just how much the local LGBT community has expanded and grown in the past few years,” Robert Kellogg, a Gaston Pride, said in a press release. “In addition to a local PFLAG chapter, the LGBT community has been instrumental in the formation of Gay Straight Alliance groups as well as other political and social organizations which recognize and advocate for greater inclusion and understanding within the community.”
Gaston Pride’s “Love is Love” walk will be held Friday. An opening ceremony afterward will include special guests and speakers, including Gastonia City Councilman Todd Pierceall and Lori Metcalf, advisor for True Colors, the LGBT student group at Gaston College.
An interfaith service will be held on Sunday afternoon following the Pride Family Picnic.
For more event details, locations and times, visit gastonpride.com or visit the group on Facebook.
Congratulations to the organizers and participants for raising the awareness of my hometown to the LGBT community that is an integral, contributing part of its citizenry. I wish I could be there to march with you!