Southeastern Ohio Rainbow Alliance presented the annual Pride Fest, part of Pride Month, this past week.
Activities kicked off Thursday with happy hour hosted by Sol Island Bar and Restaurant.
Among the highlights was Saturday’s parade through Uptown Athens, which featured more participants than in past years.
The annual drag show was also held on Saturday at Eclipse. Approximately 300 people attended, according to SEORA President Chris Nevil.
While the Pride Fest events may have ended, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate Pride Month in Athens County.
Film series
The Athena Cinema is hosting the “I Love the Gay 90’s” film series every Thursday.
Enjoy free admission to this new Pride Month series featuring a different 90’s film each Thursday in June (also paired with a signature cocktail) sponsored by the Ohio University Pride Center, Ohio University Women’s Center, Ohio University Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Women of Color Athens, City of Athens, College of Fine Arts, Arts for OHIO and the Ohio Arts Council.
Admission is free. The screening events will include the films plus these fun extras: Pre-show trivia, themed cocktails, raffle prizes, and more. And, who knows ... there might just be costumes too.
The film line-up includes:
“But I’m a Cheerleader,” 7 p.m. Thursday: Natasha Lyonne stars alongside Clea DuVall, Ru Paul, and Cathy Moriarty in this charming and satirical teen cult film directed by Jamie Babbit that deals with a case of “conversion therapy” gone awry. Megan (Lyonne) is happily making her way through high school as a cheerleader who’s dating a football player. However, she secretly doesn’t enjoy making out with her boyfriend that much, preferring instead to check out her female peers on the cheerleading squad.
“The Watermelon Woman,” 7 p.m. June 20: Written, directed by, and starring Cheryl Dunye, “The Watermelon Woman” was the first feature film to be directed by a black lesbian when it was released in 1996. Made with an initial budget of $300,000 which was financed by a grant from the NEA and grass-roots fundraising efforts, Dunye’s humble film has since been recognized as a milestone in New Queer Cinema.Shot in a documentary style and featuring a protagonist named “Cheryl” who is a black lesbian filmmaker like Dunye herself, this humorous (and sexy) film sets out to tell the story of black lesbians in cinema.
“Ma Vie In Rose (My Life in Pink),” 7 p.m. June 27 — Upon its release in 1997, Belgian director Alain Berliner’s film was unique in its attempt to explore the issue of gender identity by examining it from multiple perspectives. This exceptional film tells the story of Ludovic, a transgender youth who commits herself to living as a girl. Ludovic’s family has just relocated to a nice, new neighborhood and are concerned that their child’s identity-questioning tendencies will cause trouble with their efforts to settle in and be accepted by the new community.
Other events
3-6 p.m. Wednesday at The Plains Public Library, 14 S. Plains Road: During this open house-style event, partners from local organizations such as Equitas Health, Sojourner’s Resiliency Center, and many more will provide information on local LGBTQIA+-related resources for all ages and identities, according to the Athens County Public Libraries. Ice cream and light refreshments will be served.
6-8 p.m. Thursday at Dutch Creek Winery, 12157 State Route 690, Athens. Help celebrate Pride Month by coming to class to learn how to make crocheted bees. You can choose your colors and create an amazing new little friend and one to share. Cost of the class is $30 and it includes all materials for two bees, a beverage and plenty of fun. To reserve a seat please email nancylinneabaur@gmail.com. Payment can be made with Venmo or PayPal.10 p.m. June 22 at Casa Nueva, 6 W. State St., Athens. Say Gay Dance Night. Cover charge is $5.
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