Pride Fest Returns to Rhode Island June 18

Three Saturdays from now, get ready for the 41st annual Rhode Island Pride Fest! Everyone should be proud of who they are, but there’s no group that celebrates bigger and better than the LGBTQ community. The fest will feature over 120 vendors; a beer, wine and spirits garden; and family-friendly activities, so make sure you mark your calendar and join in the celebration.

Many Pride festivals take place in June to commemorate the that occurred in New York in 1969, when activists rallied against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn bar. LGBTQ history also has a major Providence connection; David Cicilline, who served from 2003 until 2011, was the first openly gay mayor of a US state capital.

Joe DiMauro is this year’s Mr. Gay Rhode Island, and along with Miss Gay Rhode Island 2016 (Neoki Feytal) and Ms. RI (Ally P. Sha), he will be helping to lead the celebration at Pride Fest. The “Mr. Gay RI” title lasts one year (like a pageant title), and allows the winner to be a voice in the community and raise awareness for issues they care about.

”This year, one of the things I’m trying to focus on is body image,” said DiMauro. “Forty-two percent of men who have an eating disorder identify as gay, while make up only about 5% of the population. I also want to highlight the importance of the Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, pill, which can be an important safety net for preventing HIV.”

Sponsors for this year include Providence gay/LGBTQ bars Allycat and Dark Lady, as well as Ego and The Village. Live entertainment will be on from noon until 7:30! Here’s a look at what you can expect:

Glenn Stewart will provide his patented “country that kicks” and has opened for acts like Grand Funk Railroad and Tim McGraw.

Joslyn Fox is a drag performer from Worcester, Massachusetts who was featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6 and tours the world.

Ephraim Adamz is a DJ and musician who spins hip-hop and club music samples and variety of sounds including, pop, Miami bass, vogue, ballroom and RnB.

Nina Sky, the R&B duo made up of identical twins.

Straight outta Smithfield, The Voice sensation Sarah Potenza will be bringing her brand of roots and rock ‘n’ roll.

The bill also includes acts like the Carrie Ashton Band, Jonny Blazes & The Pretty Boys and Complete Destruction. The program is far too loaded to mention every performer, so check out a full list at prideri.com/entertainmentlineup.

And taking visitors through the day’s performances will be seven emcees, including Boston comedian Reece Cotton and Lulu Locks, local designer and owner of Suite Tart salon on the West Side.

In spite of those great acts, the crowned jewel of Pride Fest will, as always, be the illuminated parade, starting at 8pm.

Come celebrate RI’s vibrant LGBTQ community by getting outside and having some fun! It’s going to be turnt up, as the kids say (if that even makes sense).

If you think your business or organization could benefit from a sponsorship or a table at Pride Fest, you can get the details at prideri.com.

Pride Fest kicks off at noon on June 18, and takes place on South Water Street, along the Providence River waterfront. The Parade starts at 8pm at Kennedy Plaza and works its way down Washington Street.