Pride Festival Brings Energy to Greensboro

GREENSBORO, NC – On Sunday, October 1, hundreds got ready to be swept away by the infectious energy and exhilarating sights of the Greensboro Pride Festival in Greensboro, an extraordinary celebration of inclusivity and acceptance.

Held by Greensboro Pride Month, their mission is “to improve the emotional and social well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Greensboro by promoting inclusivity and building resources, safe spaces, and at events.” The event was sponsored by Crest, Ralph Lauren, Kontoor, and Quorvo. 

There were performances by entertainers such as Brenda the Drag Queen, The Greensboro Ballet, AJ Fuller, and more.

The Greensboro Pride Festival began in 2006 with around 400 attendees and fewer than 10 vendors. The event was started to give people a safe public space to openly express themselves while being surrounded by a supportive community; almost two decades later, the event still means a lot to the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Eventgoers like Indigo enjoyed the festival with attractions like prize wheels and some that are pretty unique to Pride.

“I do love that there were a lot of people like us out here having fun. And then, you know, the free mom and dad costs are always something,” said Indigo.

The festival filled the streets with booths from multiple businesses and organizations in attendance. LGBTQIA+ representation took many forms, from art, food, clothing, and even sports. 

Stonewall Sports was founded in 2010 in DC to be a sports organization that raises funds for local non-profit organizations through organized sports. They expanded their chapter to Raleigh in 2013 and now have a chapter in Greensboro. 

Sydney Smith is a representative for Stonewall Sports. She feels one of the best parts about pride is feeling like you are in a safe space. 

“I love seeing all the different people come out. It’s such a great vibe with the community, and everybody’s so positive and happy. It just feels like a good safe space.” said Smith 

Relentless Roller Derby is a roller derby in Greensboro that was also represented at the Greensboro Pride Festival. Michelle Berrisford, better known as “Scare Berr” on the rink, says events like pride help LGBTQIA+ people feel connected to each other. 

“A lot of times, I felt like I had to make myself small as far as that side of that part of me. It really helped me connect with other like-minded people and kind of feel normal because being queer is fucking normal,” said Berrisford

One of the best parts about the festival was the live music. Each section of Pride had music playing either from a DJ or from a choir. Both, however, were talented. 

Overall, the Greensboro Pride Festival was a success, with LGBTQIA+ people feeling safe to express themselves and having an open environment to have fun and be a community. Food trucks, local artists, and live performances helped to make this a success, keeping people entertained and helping the community.