From The Editor: Pride Season Starts Here!

When you travel across this state and beyond its borders, do you seek out their LGBTQ community?

When you do, will you find that community’s Daffyd Thomas?

If you have not watched the television show, Little Britain, then you have not been acquainted with what he would call himself only LGBTQ person in a small Welsh mining town, portrayed by the absolutely funny Matt Lucas. Daffyd celebrates himself even if there is another LGBTQ person in his presence. 

Over the years, smaller communities across Minnesota and along the state line have been celebrating LGBTQ Pride in their own backyards. From La Crosse to Fargo, Fort Frances to Sioux Falls, our community comes together in celebration of ourselves and our culture. 

These celebrations also happen within the Twin Cities. These communities, including Columbia Heights, West St. Paul, and Bloomington, also roll out the rainbow carpet for us to connect in a community level by bringing neighbors together in celebration. 

If you have not been to any of these smaller Pride celebrations, it is worth attending! I have been to several of these celebrations across our region, including Pine City, Duluth-Superior, Rochester, Mankato, Fargo-Moorhead, La Crosse, Brainerd, Golden Valley, and Columbia Heights. 

There’s a lot more to explore this year. I’ll make it my goal to try to head to one that I have never attended before. Simply because they’re fun to attend! And, you’ll never know who you’ll run into there! 

These smaller LGBTQ Pride celebrations feel more localized and concentrated than a larger celebration at a major city. You get a great sense of how they celebrate the LGBTQ community within the confines of their city. In turn, you experience smaller crowds and meet new faces. Even, new places to explore! 

That is why we compiled some up-to-date information on these smaller Pride celebrations by giving you the where, the when, and what to do when you are in attendance. It may be just a great weekend getaway or a day trip for you to partake in the fun! 

This year, plan a visit to one of these Pride celebrations we listed in this issue. Experience something new to expand your LGBTQ horizons, add more people to your friendship circle, and fly your colors high and proud! 

I might even see you there!