Real Talk: LGBTQ Conversations for Change
Before the parties start, learn and speak up about the issues the LGBTQ community faces today. Join Seattle Pride for their second Real Talk town hall meeting at Casa Latina. This year’s meeting will focus on intersectional topics like racism and LGBTQ experiences with local law enforcement. The discussion with local community organizers will be moderated by activist Randall Jensen. June 21 at 5 p.m., Casa Latina Seattle, seattlepride.com
Seattle Alternative Pride by Nark Magazine
Nark Magazine founder Kevin “Nark” Kauer is nothing short of Seattle’s Pride king, so you know you’re in good hands at Alternative Pride. Gather all your friends and turn out for any of the nine different parties taking place on rooftops and in warehouses. Don’t miss the drag competitions and hip-hop shows either. Make sure to stop by Rachel’s Ginger Beer on 12th Ave., where $1 from every Moscow Mule will go to Gay City, a health center serving the city’s LGBTQ community. June 21–24, various locations, narkmagazine.com
Trans Pride Seattle 2018
Walk with others and enjoy performances by featured artists Shea Diamond and Laith Ashley during this year’s Trans Pride march (which starts at 6 p.m. at Seattle Central College Plaza). This crowdsourced march has become an important place for Trans activists to get their voices heard without getting lost in the commotion of the main Pride parade. In light of recent federal funding cuts, organizers have worked even harder to make the march happen. June 22 at 7 p.m, Cal Anderson Park, transprideseattle.org
Marching in Gucci: Memoirs of a Well-Dressed Black AIDS Activist
Chad Goller-Sojourner moved to New York in 1992 while the AIDS epidemic reached its peak. He became an activist and protested to fight against the disease that was disproportionately affecting gay men, especially of color. Now he has put his experience of that time into a multimedia performance that explores the AIDS crisis through the lens of a gay black activist. June 22 at 7:30 p.m., Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, $15-$30, seattlepride.com
Mbar Presents: Let’s Rock!
Mbar is bringing pride to South Lake Union with a three-day party on its rooftop. KEXP’s DJ Riz and will bring on the heat Friday night, while Butylene O’Kipple, Harlotte O’Scara, and Amoania & Salvador dish out the laughs during Saturday’s Drag Queen Happy Hour. For the fancy folks, stop by on Sunday for a five course meal by Executive Chef Jason Stratton and chef Kusuma Rao of Portland’s Ruchikala. June 22-24, Mbar, mbar.com
Mimosas with Mama
Gear up for a long day of festivities with a playful drag brunch at W Seattle. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Mama Tits will prep everyone for the parade. Sing along with her cabaret-style performance set to the tunes from DJ Pryme Tyme. Get a buzz going with special cocktails created just for Pride weekend. June 24 at 8 a.m., W Seattle, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., $27, wseattle.com
Pop+ Pride
MoPop is opening their Sky Church for a free celebration on Pride Sunday. Music videos by LGBTQ artists will be playing on Sky Church’s huge screen to set the stage for the dance party from 2–4 p.m. The museum will also host a Queer Gallery where guests can learn about the contributions queer artists have made to pop culture. Head over to JBL Theater for a collaborative event with ItGetsBetter.org to listen to people’s stories of hope and pride. June 24 from 10 a.m.–7 p.m., MoPop, mopop.org
