While sadly the 2020 Heartland Pride Parade and Festival has been canceled, it is still a time for our community to come together to support and celebrate one another. It’s a time to learn more about the history of Pride, promote advocacy and celebrate the future prosperity of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride isn’t just a month. It is a state of mind…a movement. Here at Omaha Performing Arts, we have made a list of ways we are celebrating and how you can too.
- Donate and support local LGBTQ+ organizations
There are over 100 LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and organizations in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. It includes everything from social groups, Pride vendors and health care options. - Check out the 30 days of Pride 2020 Heartland E-Pride Calendar
Although we can’t gather to celebrate the 2020 Heartland Pride Parade and Festival, Heartland Pride has been working with LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses and performers across the Midwest to create 30 Days of Pride. Mark your calendars for virtual drag performances, meetups and much more. - Jam to our O-pa Pride playlist
Get up, crank the volume and dance to some of our favorite tunes. Enjoy a little bit of pop, a little bit of Broadway and a whole lot of PRIDE. Check out our playlist here.
What Pride means to us?
“Pride to me is using my privileges to stand up for others and educate those around me. During this time, not just this year, but every year we all should remember how Pride started. This history is often overlooked or made pretty but it wasn’t. Marsha P. Johnson, a prominent leader in the Pride movement, was a black, queer, transgender drag queen who helped lead the famous Stonewall Protest/Riots 51 years ago. She was not only standing up for LGBTQ rights but also transgender rights, which we are still fighting for today. It is during this time every year that I give my respect to those who have fought the fight before me and hope that I can continue to educate others and provide understanding.”
– J. Dominic Green, Community Engagement Manager
“Pride to me is a celebration of self. It’s a powerful movement of an entire group of people, all along a beautiful spectrum. It’s a platform for expression, discussion, education and liberation. It’s a reflection of the struggle before us and the struggle that will continue after us. A fight for equality and recognition. To me, Pride means strength in ones identity.” – Andrea Purdy, Special Projects Manager
