Community members are organizing a Pride parade and picnic in Murray later this month. A release by the organizers Monday states the LGBTQ community and allies in the city and surrounding areas are invited to celebrate Pride month in an inclusive, queer and family-friendly space.
The starting point for the parade on June 26 will be at the gates on Murray State University’s campus, located at the corner of Olive Street and 15th Street, and will end with a picnic at Chestnut Park on Payne Street. The parade portion of the event is set to begin at 4 p.m. CST, and the picnic portion is set to end at 8 p.m. CST, according to the release.
This year’s parade and picnic will be following the most recent CDC and state COVID-19 guidelines. Masks are not required outdoors, however social distancing is still encouraged.
“We’re pretty much saying whatever makes you comfortable. If you still want to wear masks, that’s great. You don’t absolutely have to. We’re going to try to distance as much as possible,” Organizer Brittany Kenner said.
This year's Pride month marks the sixth anniversary of marriage equality in the US. The first Pride march was held one year after the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, cited as the beginning of the LGBTQ civil rights movement.
The release states support for the Murray Pride parade and picnic is provided by Murray-Calloway County Parks and Recreation, the Murray Art Guild, West KY NOW, the New South Arts Initiative, and other community members.
Businesses or individuals interested in donating to the event may contact murraykypride@gmail.com, and those interested in the event can find more information on Facebook or on Instagram at the account @MurrayKYPride. The release states funds will be raised to support local LGBTQ youth organizations.
