This post was written for 20×49 by Steven Knight of Knight Life Creative.
The year is 2023 and we’re celebrating our 53rd Annual Pride Month, nationally. From one of the most notable riots in history at the Stonewall Inn to the present day, we’ve been celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride since 1970; United States President Bill Clinton dubbed June “Gay & Lesbian Pride Month” in 1999.
So what is Pride all about and why a whole month? Well, we’re glad you asked and we would never leave you without information! Pride Month specifically is set aside as a time to acknowledge the struggle for civil rights by members of the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equal treatment under the law while also celebrating all of the accomplishments and contributions of our friends, family and affiliates within the community locally, regionally, nationally and globally.
Fun Fact: Did you know that in May of 2022, Shreveport’s City Council voted to make June Shreveport’s official Pride Month?
So, now that you’re up to speed, let’s talk about Pride Month celebrations in Shreveport-Bossier! Here’s how you can get in on the fun:
Drag Shows
If you’re familiar with our local performance scene you’re aware that from Friday to Saturday we are delighted with stunning drag nights from Korner Lounge and Central Station to some of our newest pop-up drag performance venues Bear’s on Fairfield and Ernie’s. To enter these spaces you must be 21+ with a valid ID to get in on the fun. Meet these requirements and you are dancing the night away as performers work the floor for tips and applause in intricate, often multi-layered costumes and impressive towering wigs.
June 9: Whitney Houston Drag Show at The Korner Lounge, 10:30 p.m. – 21+ for entry
June 10: Drag Show at Central Station, 11:30 p.m. – 21+ for entry
June 16: Talent Night at Central Station, 10:30 p.m. – 21+ for entry
June 17: Drag Show at Central Station, 11:30 p.m. – 21+ for entry
June 23: Legendary Legends: Pride Month Edition at The Korner Lounge, 10:30 p.m. – 21+ for entry
June 23: Pride Benefit for Sarah Tonin Katz at Central Station, 10 p.m. – 21+ for entry
June 24: The Drag Agenda: An Opulent and Extravagant Pride Show at Central Station, 11:30 p.m. – 21+ for entry
June 30: Lip Service Pride Drag Show at Bear’s On Fairfield, 11 p.m. – 21+ for entry
June 30: Simply the Best: A Drag Tribute to Tina Turner at The Korner Lounge, 11:30 p.m. – 21+ for entry
Brunches and Socials
Looking for a way to meet folks in the community? There are plenty of ways to do so this month from brunches and socials to game nights and painting. You can do a bit of it all here in Shreveport. Check out some of the offerings happening in the area hosted by local advocacy organizations and our bars.
June 9: Pride 5K hosted by Barksdale Life, 7 a.m. – ALL AGES
June 11: PACE Pride Brunch and Social at Marilynn’s Place, 10 a.m. – ALL AGES
June 14: Paint With Pride at Central Station, 8 p.m. ($20 for all paint supplies and 2 drinks) – 21+ for entry
June 17: Pride Month Queer MixHER at The Korner Lounge, 6:30 p.m. – 21+ for entry
June 25: Pride Drag Brunch at Ernie’s Bar, 11 a.m. – 21+ for entry
Tuesdays: Game Night at Central Station – 21+ for entry
Wednesdays: Trivia Nights at The Korner Lounge, 8 p.m. – 21+ for entry
Sundays: Sing-A-Long Sunday at The Korner Lounge, 6 p.m. – 21+ for entry
Sundays: Drag Queen Bingo at Central Station, 6 p.m. – 21+ for entry
Themed Parties
What is Pride Month without a themed party? Everyone loves to dress up and there are major opportunities to do so a week apart! So there’s no excuse for you to miss out on the fun. Whether you’ve been wanting to take to deep space and channel your inner extraterrestrial or take it back to prom and explore the seven seas in your best beach bum OR pirate-inspired apparel we’ve got the event for you! After all, personal expression is key to Pride.
June 16: Brandezvous Production’s Pride Disco, Volume 3: GAYlien Invasion at The Korner Lounge, 8 p.m. – 21+ for entry
June 24: ShrevePride’s Q-Prom: Seas Shreveport at ARTSPACE, 7 p.m. – 16 and up
Want to follow any of these LGBTQ+ operated businesses, organizations and or safe spaces celebrating this month? Heck yeah, you do! If you don’t decide to attend any of these events the best way you can support folks in your life who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community is with your dollars! Consider donating or spending your money with them and definitely share their events so people in your life know that Shreveport-Bossier has a growing and vibrant scene.
Bear’s on Fairfield @bearsshreveport
Brandezvous Productions @brandezvousprod
Central Station @centralstationshreveport
Ernie’s Bar @erniesbar
PACE @pacelouisiana
ShrevePride @shrevepride
The Korner Lounge @kornerlounge
