Pine Belt Pride Week begins Monday in Hattiesburg. See what's in store
The annual Pine Belt Pride Week brings a time of celebration of being one's best self.
The annual Pine Belt Pride Week brings a time of celebration of being one's best self.
From staff, submitted reports
The Spectrum Center in Hattiesburg with other organizations host daily events around the city that bring people together.
This year, The Spectrum Center is partnering with Mississippi Rising Coalition to bring advocacy to the celebration of the self-acceptance of all people and their gender identities.
“We’re excited to introduce unique and exciting events every year, and this year is no exception," said Mickie Stratos, pride committee chair. "We’ve got an awesome week with a variety of events planned for guests of all backgrounds. Come on out.”
Pine Belt Pride is sponsored by the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi, Visit Hattiesburg and several community partners.
This year's events kick off Monday with a barbecue at 6:30 p.m. at The Spectrum Center, 210 South 25th Avenue
A Community Advocacy Workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Spectrum Center – 6:30 p.m.
Southern Prohibition Brewing, 301 Mobile St., will offer a fun evening of Queeraoke, beginning at 7 p.m.
On Thursday, the Pepper’s Pride Party will get rolling at 7 p.m. at Peppers Parties, Too, 124 Grand Drive, Suite 1030.
The entertainment heats up as the weekend gets started.
There will be a Queer Comedy Show at 7 p.m. Friday at Thirsty Hippo, 309 McLeod St., with performances by Keeda with AQ, featuring Rita Brent and music by DJ Milkstache. This will be followed by a full day of activities to follow on Saturday.
Pride in the Park with performances by Lexis Redd D'Ville, Sonika Boom and Kitty Woods, and music by DJ Milkstache, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Square Park, 100 Main St., with a Pride March in the Park at noon.
Pride events for Saturday will wrap up with an after party at 8 p.m. at Colludium Brewing Company.
The week of celebration will end with a Pride Drag Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Colludium Brewing Co., 2108 West Fourth St., with performances by Miss Wessland Newcomer, Gracie Lou Freebush; Miss Queen of Hearts, Miss Icon and Miss Order of Zeus at Large, Jawaketema Davenport; Ms. Mississippi World Universal, Kaylee Bradshaw; Parris DuNoire Foxx; and Vanilla Galore. Music provided by N'Somnia Entertainment.
The Spectrum Center, founded in 2014, serves as a resource and advocacy center for the LGBTQ+ community in Hattiesburg and surrounding areas. Pine Belt Pride is The Spectrum Center’s biggest fundraiser. All funds go to general operations and building repair.
For more information, visit thespectrumcenterofhattiesburg.com.
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