By Xanna Don’t Photos by Ann L. Brown On Saturday, June 3, Burien celebrated its first-ever LGBTQ PRIDE event at a packed Town Square Park. While there was no traditional parade, over 1,500 people gathered for games, Zumba, bands, drag queens including DonaTella Howe, crafts and causes booths, beer, food trucks, and mostly – community. Led by Rob Johnson, Debra George and seven other members of Burien business community, the all-ages outdoor activities spanned from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. After parties for adults followed at The Point, featuring live acoustic music from locally acclaimed singer-songwriter Whitney Monge, and rock bands at Black Zia Cantina. A couple of religious protesters benignly stood in the bright afternoon sunlight holding disparaging signs on the SW 152nd Street sidewalk. But everyone who’s ever attended gay pride celebrations in other cities knows that’s a sign of success. If your Pride event is big enough to court the haters, it’s surely big enough to return next year. Here are some video clips courtesy G. McG: [embed]https://youtu.be/DeSlLsBZOWQ[/embed] [embed]https://youtu.be/M4K-jb1eU4M[/embed] [embed]https://youtu.be/fARrnXaiU0o[/embed] [embed]https://youtu.be/0OWcts2XMnw[/embed] [embed]https://youtu.be/T_EwUY9ZxGM[/embed] More info at www.facebook.com/BurienPride
The B-Town Blog was a proud Sponsor of this event.]]>
Glad to see Burien being inclusive!
Loved this statement, ” If your Pride event is big enough to court the haters, it’s surely big enough to return next year.”
It is a clever comment and would have been just as clever to use the term “protesters”, but how does “benignly” expressing his disagreement make one a hater?
I was lucky enough to spend some time on Saturday at this first (hopefully annual) Pride Festival. It was a wonderful experience. Except for our 2, or maybe 3, protesters it seemed like a wonderful time was had by all. People were friendly, smiling and truly embracing the concept of community. Many thanks to Debra and Rob for spearheading this event in such style and the B-town blog for being a great sponsor.
Way to go Burien!!!
Great Event! Hoping there are many more!
Hope there is a parade in the planning for next year. Our car club would like to attend.