The Pride Festival might not be quite as visible this year, with festivities moving from the courthouse plaza downtown inside Central Bank Center. But it will include more vendors and events.
Chair Jeremy Ellis says attendees can expect "a full game room that's going to offer D&D and other type of tabletop, RPG-type things, panel discussions with queer authors, a comedy hour with stand-up comedy," among other offerings.
While the move will increase accessibility and take away any weather concerns, Ellis says so far it’s been a mixed response – with some preferring the atmosphere outside in the heart of downtown. But the organizer says there are also worries that legislation might eventually limit the kind of festivals Lexington has held in the past.
"In today's climate, it's more important for us to get together to celebrate Pride because this very well may be the last opportunity we get with the way legislation is moving and the way folks are trying to kind of dictate the ways that we can celebrate our community," he says.
But Ellis notes the shift into Central Bank Center is just an experiment and he’s encouraging supporters to visit nearby downtown locations and queer-owned businesses in a show of solidarity.
Another change: This year’s festival will be ticketed with a cost of $10. But if that’s a barrier, Ellis says people can contact organizers through the Pride Fest Facebook page or website and they can receive comped tickets.
Find more info about event here.
