Eugene/Springfield Pride Festival

Eugene Springfield Pride Festival is an annual event held in August in Alton Baker Park,[1] that celebrates and Promotes Respect In Diverse Expression (P.R.I.D.E.) for the LGBTQ communities' culture.[2]

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Oregon State Director Vicki Walker staff the USDA booth at the Eugene/Springfield, OR Pride Festival along with representatives from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on Aug. 13, 2016.

Background

Eugene is Oregon's second biggest city and one of the most tolerant cities of the state regarding LGBT rights thanks to its progressive politics. Another reason for this is the presence of Oregon University with its modern and open education, cultural diversity and eco-consciousness. All these factors made the Eugene Pride festival grow every year and become one of the most important local celebrations to be held. Each year, the festival that started 23 years ago[3] is organized several weeks after the state's biggest similar event, Pride Northwest, which takes place in the city of Portland.[1]

The event coordinator, Paul Homan describes the festival saying:

"It's about being proud of who you are, no matter what you are, who you love, you have the right to respect, the right to dignity and the right to love."[3]

Activities

It gives the space for local and national artists to give artistic and entertaining shows. Over 50 organizations and businesses related to the theme are also provided with the space to exhibit their work. Also, visitors can find a beer garden, a kids' space, and food.

It also offers free HIV testing, which is provided by the HIV Alliance in Lane County.[3]

The local gay-popular bars and restaurants engage in the event and open their doors for the visitors, which is considered as a boost for the local economy of these businesses.[4]

Festival's welcoming note

we want to Welcome! all deaf to this year

Eugene PRIDE Day Equality

No matter Gay, Straight, or bi

Lesbian, Transgendered DEAF life

I'm on the right track baby

I was born to survive

No matter black, white or beige

Chola or orient made

I'm on the right track baby

I was born to be brave[5]

See also

References
  1. "Eugene's 2018 Gay Pride celebration is set for August 11". TripSavvy. Retrieved 2018-06-04.
  2. "Eugene Pride: Official Website". eugenepride.org. Retrieved 2018-06-04.
  3. Sleem, Seena. "Eugene-Springfield Pride Festival: 'It's about being proud of who you are'". KMTR. Retrieved 2018-06-04.
  4. Doe, John. "Eugene Pride Festival | Pride Listings | Gay Travel Guide". Retrieved 2018-06-04.
  5. "Eugene Springfield Pride Festival 2018". Oregon Association of the Deaf. 2018-03-05. Retrieved 2018-06-04.
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