Now in its third year, Missoula Pride is returning June 14-16 with more than 40 events, including an extended block party, new educational opportunities and a rally full of local and national speakers.
For the first time, the block party will take place over two nights, both Friday and Saturday. Extending the party has allowed them to feature more local talent, including a drag and variety show for each night with performers from Montana, said Devin Carpenter, Missoula Pride co-director.
Jana Richter, with Forward Montana, rides on top of the hood of a car as they wave a Pride flag along Higgins Avenue during the Missoula Pride Parade on June 17, 2023.
The lineup for this year’s block parties also includes local and national musicians, like mountain soul singer WARPONY, rapper Chali 2na and bisexual hyperpop artist Slayyyter.
Afterparties for both nights feature an additional host of entertainment. Along with drag and burlesque shows, Missoula Pride will be bringing in musicians and DJs from the Detroit techno music scene, as well as partnering with the Montana Area Music Association for a showcase of local indie music.
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“I think we always try to be a little nimble and ever-expanding as far as the different pockets of the community that we’re offering programming for,” Carpenter said.
Missoula Pride has also expanded its educational and advocacy offerings.
This year’s pride will involve two panels on two-spirit people from the Montana Two Spirit Society, a workshop on allyship from the Montana Family Center and a presentation from Transvisible Montana intended to educate about trans, non-binary and two-spirit issues.
“So for people that are looking to learn a little something on how to be a better ally or basic things like learning how to properly use pronouns or learning what the letters in the alphabet mean, we’ll have all sorts of opportunities for folks to learn and engage and learn to be a better ally to people,” said Andy Nelson, executive director of the Western Montana LGBT Community Center.
In addition, attendees ages 18 and up can attend a non-participatory educational demonstration about kink and bondage. Carpenter said he knows people are “hungry” for information about kink, and the event could provide a safe, curated environment to learn more.
However, Carpenter said it was important to him that the majority of the events offered at Missoula Pride be free and open to all ages.
The majority of the more than 40 events that will be a part of Pride this year are all-ages events, with several intended specifically for young people. Transvisible Montana will host a trans youth space Friday morning, and Saturday afternoon will see a youth-oriented panel on civil rights.
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