All are invited to kick-off Pride month by supporting the LGBT and ally community with a series of events in White Center hosted by local businesses from June 1 – 11, 2022.

These events in the White Center neighborhood will celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and all sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA+) people.

This first in-person Pride following arson fires and vandalisms from 2021 intends to bring people together to heal in solidarity over the triumphs and sacrifices made by the LGBTQIA+ and ally community.

Beginning this Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 6:30 p.m., White Center will kickoff this year’s Pride events with an opening celebration at Triangle Park. Special guest speakers, performances, and music will lead up to the raising of the Progressive Flag above the heart of White Center. Immediately following the Flag Raising Ceremony, the Southgate Roller Rink will host Pride Skate at 8:30 p.m., where skaters can glide and dance to the theme “GLOW UP: Light up for Pride” with DJ Redline. This popular event is an opportunity for members of the queer community to express their diverse and unique selves in an inclusive and groovy space.

On the following day (Thursday, June 2), in collaboration with the White Center Pride organization, Future Primitive Brewery will release their limited edition “Queer Beer” for the second year, with part of the proceeds supporting the White Center Pride Organization. Jason Loughridge, President of the White Center Pride organization, invites attendees to “Come raise a glass with us, as we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in the White Center neighborhood. Additionally, if you are interested in learning about the beer making process, join us at 5:30 p.m. for a brewery tour before the official Queer Beer release later in the evening.”

It all leads up to the main event on Saturday, June 11 starting at Noon: a day of fun and celebration at the White Center Pride Street Festival in Downtown White Center. Closing down the main “drag” on SW 16th Ave and south of SW Roxbury St for pedestrian traffic only, you can stroll the streets safely and enjoy queer vendors, drag performances, live music, beer gardens, and more!

Nathan Adams, owner of the Lumberyard, sums up the spirit of this year’s White Center Pride:

“Pride in knowing one’s self should be celebrated every day. The journey is a long one and only each individual can know when it has started or is complete. Our strength comes from our community and our family, and together we can all be proud of who we are, where we come from, and where we call home!! This community is more like family to myself and everyone at the Lumberyard, and we cannot wait to celebrate and open our doors for our family.”

“On behalf of the White Center Pride organization and the White Center neighborhood, we invite you to our pride events. Celebrate the spirit of personal discovery and authenticity together!” said Matt Maring, Fundraiser Chair of the White Center Pride organization.

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

YOUTH PRIDE MINI-PARADE @ Mac’s Triangle Pub, 5:30 p.m.

WC KICKOFF PRIDE FLAG RAISING & CELEBRATION featuring guest speakers & entertainment @ Triangle Park, Mac’s Triangle Pub , 6:30 p.m.

PRIDE SKATE GLOW PARTY @ Southgate Roller Rink, 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 2, 2022

QUEER BEER RELEASE PARTY @ Future Primitive Brewing, 5:30-8 p.m.

WC Pride is ecstatic to collaborate with our friends at Future Primitive Brewery for a 2nd year in a row to release Queer Beer, supporting our LGBTQ+ community in White Center. Come raise a glass with us as we celebrate diversity and inclusion in our neighborhood. Special Guest DJ: Allen The Key. Release & Cheers at 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 5, 2022

PRIDE PLANT SWAP @ The Plant Store, 12-4

We will have several free plants to give away, discounts, refreshments, and some extra special collector plant giveaways! some tables will be provided and you are welcome to bring your own to set up outside the shop. all are encouraged to come (rain or shine, but hopefully shine) and enjoy a good time with good community vibes!! See Facebook invite for latest details.

Saturday, June 11, 2022

MAIN EVENT: THE WHITE CENTER PRIDE STREET FESTIVAL
Rainbow Sponsors: Verity Credit Union, Good Dog Day Care, Future Primitive Brewing, & Southgate Roller Rink featuring local & LGBT-friendly vendors, drag and performances, six 21+ beer gardens, and the famous Balloon Chain as featured at Coachella

@ Downtown White Center, 16th Ave SW between SW Roxbury & SW 100th St

Vendor Fair: 12-6 p.m., Entertainment: 12-11 p.m.

More info at: