'LGBTQ+ community needs help in this fight to protect our freedoms'

Southeastern Ohio Rainbow Alliance is presenting the annual Pride Fest that runs between Thursday and Sunday, so the Athens News caught up with SEORA President Chris Nevil to learn more about the festival.

The schedule is published below.

Nevil explained the importance of Pride Month.

“Pride is a time for togetherness, inclusivity, and love,” Nevil said. “There is absolutely no room for hate or judgment at any Pride events, and I think that’s what people love so much about the positive environment of Pride.”

Saturday, there is a drag show that starts at 8 p.m. at Eclipse — doors open at 7 p.m; $10 cover. Great show!

“The drag show is family friendly. It’s time people stop giving into the false narrative of an adult drag show and an all age drag show being on the same level,” Nevil said. “They are completely different and completely separate. Additionally, those feeding into this narrative should also stop worrying about what other people are doing with their kids and focus on their own parenting and family. Don’t want your kid at a drag show? Don’t take them. Simple. However, sheltering kids seldom proves successful, but that’s their business.”

Politics and Pride need to walk hand in hand, particularly this election year.

“The presidential election has implications on everyone of course, but arguably larger implications on the LGBTQ+ community and other minority communities,” Nevil said. “It is no secret certain folks in our government are blatantly attacking our community and trying to strip away freedoms that those before us have worked so hard to obtain.”

Nevil continued, “There is always a false narrative that we are looking for special treatment, and that is the biggest lie of the century; we simply want to exist and have the same protections as everyone else. Period. End of story. Since Roe V Wade was overturned, it allows precedence for other landmark decisions to be revisited and possibly overturned; think about it, marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws, etc. However, as a representative of SEORA, I cannot formally comment on a specific candidate, but what I can do is encourage folks to go vote and tell them to think of their LGBTQ+ loved ones as they vote and ask themselves, ‘Am I truly protecting and supporting those I love?’ It’s tough, but the LGBTQ+ community needs help in this fight to protect our freedoms. We can’t do it alone.”

Love it!

Presented By SEORA June 6th — June 9th

THURSDAY JUNE 6TH:

-Happy Hour at Sol Island Bar & Restaurant at 6pm.

FRIDAY JUNE 7TH:

-Pride Shuffle starting @Tony’s Tavern at 7pm (ages 21+)

-Pride Dance Party at The Union @9pm

($5 cover)(ages 18+)

SATURDAY JUNE 8TH:

-Pride Parade lineup @10am

(Court st. in front of Alden Library)

-Parade step-off @11am

-Pride Market @Noon

(union st. in front of The Union)

-Drag Show @Eclipse Company store

(Doors @7pm, Show @8pm)$10 Cover

SUNDAY JUNE 9TH:

-Pride Drag BRUNCH at Sol Island Bar & Restaurant @Noon (Free Entry)

-Pride Pool Party/Field Day at Athens City Pool(in partnership w/OU Pride Center)

6pm-8pm (Free Entry & Food)

Looking forward to another wonderful Athens Pride Fest with SEORA and all of our amazing Sponsors, Partners & Participants!