Norman to celebrate first LGBTQ Pride festival, parade

NORMAN — Thanks to an outpouring of community support, several events are planned this weekend during Norman’s first LGBTQ Pride celebration.

Festivities begin with a kickoff party 5 p.m. Friday at TOLY Park, 227 W Main St., followed by a daylong fair Saturday and a parade Sunday. “We’re going to have a lot of stuff for kids to do,” Norman Pride President Andrew Coulter said. “We want to make sure it’s family friendly.”

Local businesses, nonprofit organizations and more vendors will set up at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Gray Street parking lot. Scheduled activities include Zumba, live music, a fashion show and drag performances.

Food and beer will be available to purchase, but attendees are encouraged to visit Main Street bars and restaurants during the festival.

Some businesses are planning their own activities and entertainment, Norman Pride Treasurer Michelle Wood said.

The parade will take place at 7 p.m. Sunday on Main Street, and about 30 groups will participate. A party is planned before the parade at 4 p.m. at TOLY Park, and live music will follow the parade at the park to close the festival.

Councilwoman Breea Clark, who helped plan Norman Pride, will serve as one of the parade grand marshals alongside her sister, Amanda Revels. Clark said the reception and excitement residents have shown is impressive.

“I’m surprised we haven’t had Pride events (in Norman) before,” she said, noting the Oklahoma City suburb’s progressive reputation.

“It’s going to be a tremendous opportunity to celebrate diversity in our community, and I have no doubt it will continue on and grow each year.”

Pride organizer and longtime Norman resident Jamie Bray hopes to see people from all over the state attend the festival, especially those from small towns and rural areas. Citing a recent incident involving a transgender student in Oklahoma being threatened online, Bray said Norman Pride can serve as a learning opportunity for those unfamiliar with the LGBTQ population.

“Maybe they can understand, see our hearts and realize that we’re just like everybody else,” Bray said.

Volunteers for the festival and parade are still needed. For more information, go to the Norman Pride Facebook page.

[PHOTO PROVIDED] The Norman Pride board poses for a photo during a fundraising event. Back row from left: Andrew Coulter, Michelle Wood, Amanda Meron, K.C. Fox and Daryl Callaway. Bottom row from left: Jamie Bray, Stacy Fox and Kira Kendrick.