The weekend of the 25th anniversary of OutFest will be jam-packed with LGBT spirit.
After a number of large community events — like the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance 25th anniversary gala Oct. 9 and William Way’s Indigo Ball to mark the center’s 40th anniversary the following night — the weekend culminates Oct. 11 with OutFest, the largest National Coming Out Day festivity in the country. The free event, held this year on NCOD, takes place in the Gayborhood, with the main stage at 13th and Locust streets.
“I’m so excited there’s so much going on,” said Franny Price, founder of OutFest.
She said the event is all about celebrating the LGBT community, the Gayborhood and the process of self-realization.
“It’s my baby, my pride,” Price said of the daylong festivity. “It’s an LGBT event, but also a big, old-fashioned block party. I’m really proud of it and I love it.”
To mark the milestone anniversary of OutFest, organizers have arranged two special events: One is the unveiling of the mural at 1 p.m. at 12th Street Gym dedicated to Gloria Casarez, the inaugural director of the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs. The other is a book signing at 2:30 p.m. by Mark Segal, PGN publisher and longtime LGBT activist.
Segal’s memoir, “And Then I Danced: Traveling the Road to LGBT Equality,” comes out Oct. 6.
About 140 vendors will be at this year’s event, with about 90 representing organizations that provide services and programs to LGBT people in the Philadelphia region.
“It’s a huge networking day for our community,” Price said.
Activities include a talent contest on the main stage, bagel-eating contest, belly-dancing contest and a high-heel race, among other things. Start times and locations are still being determined.
As is tradition, OutFest organizers will also give out awards to outstanding members of the LGBT community.
Mayor Michael Nutter will receive the OutProud Friend Award and Deja Alvarez will receive the Jaci Adams OutProud Transgender Award. Other award winners are still being finalized.
For more information, visit www.phillygaypride.org.