Shenandoah Valley Pride was hosted in downtown Harrisonburg’s Court Square on Saturday, Sept. 21. There were pride flags representing different sexualities and gender identities surrounding the court. It was complete with EMU representatives, JMU students from their sexual health office, small businesses, churches, companies, nonprofits, as well as a drag show. Music was playing loud enough to fill the square. Everyone from the LGBTQ+ community no matter their age seemed to be there with pride flags hanging from their shoulders and smiles on their faces. There were even dogs with pride flags on their collars walking around the square.
That was until it started to rain at 2:45 p.m. Then everyone was seeking shelter underneath the nearest tent or awning. It was called off by the police officers at 3:30 p.m. when there was lighting seen less than a mile away from the square. However, it was still a successful event. Attendees were able to enjoy the live music, and a few different drag queen performances, as well as shop for a few hours before the rain started. For those with no money to spend, there were many organizations, such as Trinity Presbyterian Church and Rise, that were handing out free pins and stickers. Several churches were in attendance to show their support for the local LBGTQ+ community. Community Mennonite Church had a bulletin board asking attendees to tell their church anything that they wanted while Emmanuel Episcopal had a sign that said, “I am sorry. We are here to apologize for the way we as Christians have harmed the LGBTQ+ community.” Shenandoah Valley Pride had a very accepting atmosphere.
EMU’s own Kathy Evans had something to say about Shenandoah Valley Pride, “I am so proud of our university, EMU has stepped up in its commitment to justice and equity, and I am grateful for those who helped make this happen.” EMU has come a long way since firing a professor in 2003, under Loren Swartzendruber, for calling out the mistreatment of people from the LGBTQ+ community. Now, EMU actively advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, has three openly gay staff members, and attends events such as Shenandoah Valley Pride. EMU has made a lot of progress, even in just the past few years. EMU senior Sarah Peak said, “It was awesome to see the amount of EMU students and staff that showed up to Pridefest. It was the most that I have seen in the past three years that I have attended EMU and gone to Pridefest.”
Overall, this year’s Shenandoah Valley Pride was a success. Several members of the LGBTQ+ community showed up and enjoyed themselves, whether it was the drag show, the amount of people, or the different churches or companies that brought them joy. Businesses that came received free advertisement from attending and sales from those who attended, churches received blessings for showing their support, and the nonprofits were able to spread their important resources and information. The drag queens that came were able to perform in front of an adoring crowd and receive tips from the audience. Everyone received what they wanted from attending Shenandoah Valley Pride this year and hopefully will from Shenandoah Valley Pride next year.
