Minneapolis People’s Pride: An Annual Display of Joyful Resistance

Minneapolis People’s Pride, now in its fifth year, offers an alternative way to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The event is distinct from the well-known Twin Cities Pride Festival, often dubbed the “big gay party.” With rainbows, colorful banners and promotions for gay beer, a month of programming culminates in a massive gathering in Loring Park.

As thrilling as it is to see such support for the LGBTQ+ community, a weekend of bottomless cocktails and pounding bass is not everybody’s cup of tea. If the Twin Cities Pride Festival is the “big gay party,” People’s Pride is the “big gay barbecue.” Minneapolis People’s Pride offers a more understated type of celebration. Taking place June 28 from noon to 4 p.m. at Powderhorn Park, the event will feature local artists and distinctive performances.

The event is free and open to all, with no entry fee and no gates. People’s Pride is by and for every member of the queer community.

The event is imbued with the essence of Pride events of decades past, free of corporate sponsorships that fluctuate with cultural trends. People’s Pride aims to get back to the roots of Pride: fostering authentic connection, queer joy and community solidarity.

People’s Pride is activism-oriented, inviting queer people to remember why Pride exists in the first place: the Stonewall uprising.

If you’re reading this magazine, it’s a history you’re probably familiar with. Nevertheless, here is a very brief summary:

On June 28, 1969, after repeatedly targeting the Stonewall Inn, the police raided the bar and attempted to arrest its patrons for the crime of homosexuality. Trans women and LGBTQ+ patrons resisted, violently clashing with police. The uprising lasted six days and is widely regarded as the catalyst for the gay liberation movement.

People’s Pride keeps this history close to heart and has built an event by and for the queer community.

Through activism and community care, People’s Pride honors queer ancestors whose sacrifices paved the way for LGBTQ+ presence in the mainstream.

“We strive to be a powerfully joyful resistance to systemic oppressions,” their zine reads.

Three of the organizers — Ani Cassellius, Luna Zeidner and Nasreen Sajady — each sat down with Lavender, emphasizing the necessity of activism.

“In the West, we have a lot of privilege to speak and fight back for those who can’t,” Sajady says. “We need to use our voices as much as we can. That’s the goal here — to put a fire in people, even to stand up for themselves.”

It’s a lofty task, and it starts with the time-honored tradition of breaking bread. People’s Pride has served a free meal to everyone who wants one. This year, the event is partnering with the mutual aid organization Southside Foodshare.

“There’s a lot of people who struggle with food in the queer community and poverty in general. Making sure that people have even just a hot dog or hamburger is super important,” Zeidner says. “It also just makes the event more accessible. I don’t have to worry about what I’m eating that day.”

Don’t worry, vegans and vegetarians — there are options for you, too!

The musical lineup includes a diverse array of performers from across the Twin Cities. Sajady is coordinating the performances, bringing her experience from No Borders, an organization that supports people struggling for liberation through global sound.

“The goal is to take the resources that we have and give them to artists so they can give a voice to their own struggles,” Sajady says.

With two stages positioned on either side of the lake, performances will include spoken word poetry, Drag Story Hour, live bands and DJs.

Organizers have spread out the event to minimize crowding and to provide quiet spaces for those who prefer a more relaxed kind of community fellowship.

Safety is a top concern. People’s Pride asks that attendees wear masks when possible. COVID-19 remains a risk, especially for disabled individuals. Masks will be provided free of charge.

People’s Pride is a unique event, created and led by Minnesotans. Inspired by the 2020 uprising and the San Francisco People’s March, founding members Ani Cassellius and Lake Owens wanted to share space for community and art.

That first year, organizers expected 20 attendees. More than 200 showed up.

Cassellius recalled the surprise.

“I literally walked around and tried to introduce myself to everyone. I couldn’t even get to everybody.”

Each June, attendance continues to grow. Organizers expect several thousand this year. The appetite for authentic connection is unmistakable.

Despite the growth, the mission remains the same. People’s Pride is entirely community-funded and supported by mutual aid groups. Artist vendors donate at least 10% of their proceeds to a mutual aid project of their choice.

This interview took place with just under two weeks until the event. The static of excited anticipation buzzes in the air as the organizers ready for the culmination of countless hours of hard work.

It’s clear that People’s Pride is a labor of love.

“Right now, it is so important for us to come together and be united, and show joy, and have a good time,” Sajady says.

“Threats are not going to stop us from existing and being and loving and taking care of each other.”

For more information about People’s Pride and its mission, visit mplspeoplespride.com.