Every summer, thousands of LGBTs and allies from across the region gather in Philadelphia for an unforgettable Pride weekend. Whether it’s your first time or your 10th, this year’s festivities promise to take the entertainment to the next level.
The 27th Philly Pride Presents parade and festival will take place June 14. The parade will start at 11:30 a.m. at 13th and Locust streets and end at approximately 1 p.m. at Penn’s Landing. Admission to the festival is $15.
“We’re excited; this is going to be the best year ever,” said Philly Pride Presents executive director Franny Price. “We already have 72 groups in the parade — the most ever. And there are going to be several more. We have also sold out all our vendor space. We’re completely full.”
Price said the event has been gaining in size each year.
“Each year we grow. We are a victim of our own success. We have to work extra hard to provide reasons for 25,000 people to stay,” she joked. “People can be entertained or entertain themselves — it’s all there.”
Before Sunday’s festivities, you can get the weekend started with the fourth-annual Kick-Off Block Party, 6-10 p.m. June 12 at 12th and Locust streets. Refreshments, food and entertainment will be provided. Discounted $10 festival tickets will also be available to purchase.
Coincidentally, June 14 is also National Flag Day. In honor of the holiday, paratroopers will drop down onto Independence Mall at 11:30 a.m., so get to the Pride judges’ stand early and catch some bonus entertainment. Catch parade performances by The Attic Youth, ICandy girls, Venture Inn and more.
Pride will have a dual theme this year: commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Annual Reminder Days and recognizing the transgender community.
“Our parade is a salute and acknowledgement of the trans community,” Price said.
This year’s grand marshals are Nellie Fitzpatrick, the city’s new director of LGBT Affairs, and Dr. Rachel Levine, the state’s acting physician general and the highest-ranking transgender official in the state.
There will also be two grand-marshal floats this year, one of which will be named the Charlene J. Arcila Gender Equality Grand Marshal Float. Arcila, a trans woman whose complaint against SEPTA ultimately led to the elimination of gender markers on transpasses, died earlier this year, shortly after the plans for the float were announced.
“We really wanted to honor and respect Charlene,” said Price. “She made a huge impact in terms of equality for the trans community when she helped get rid of the ‘male’ and ‘female’ on the SEPTA passes. We want to encourage as many trans folks and allies as possible to ride the float.”
The Friend of Pride designation will go to Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel, the department’s LGBT liaison, who Price noted has worked closely with the Police LGBT Liaison Committee.
At Penn’s Landing, Henri David will keep the festivities moving along as master of ceremonies. Larisa Bunch will open the event with a performance of the unofficial LGBT anthem “I Am What I Am.”
Fran Drescher, comedian and actor best known as the star of the CBS sitcom “The Nanny,” will headline the main stage. Joining Drescher in the entertainment lineup is Alex Newell, who played the character “Unique” on Fox’s “Glee,” as well as musician Cary Nokey and band Puddles Pity Party.
“We have an incredible lineup, one of the best in the country,” Price said. “We haven’t heard one negative thing. Everyone loves Fran. Alex Newell really is the next big thing; people heard him at the GLAAD gala and he was one of the highlights of the whole gala. Tons of unique entertainment for everyone.”
Festival attractions include a dance area featuring DJ June Rodriguez, health area with STD screenings, food and drink vendors, sports zone, pet zone, family zone and more than 150 community organizations and vendors.
Price gave credit to the 16 Pride coordinators who will help make this year’s event a reality.
“We have been together for a while and they are like siblings; we couldn’t do this without them,” she said. “The community as a whole comes together and makes this successful.”
For more information, visit www.phillygaypride.org.