Macon Pride celebrated its first Pride parade in almost 20 years in 2019. After pausing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pride returns this year with a multi-day lineup of events.
Macon Pride’s executive board includes President Scott Mitchell, owner of the Travis Jean Emporium downtown and recent founder of Macon’s LGBTQ Youth Group, as well as board member Jim Crisp, founding Artistic Director of Theatre Macon.
“The purpose of Macon Pride is to advance unity, visibility and self-esteem among LGBTQIA+ persons and our allies and to promote a positive image in the Middle Georgia area through community activities and service,” Macon Pride’s website says.
To adapt to continuing COVID-19 precautions this year, Macon Pride will host events outdoors or split indoor events between time slots so that attendees can be more spread out.
Here are the Macon Pride events coming up at the end of September.
Dress for Fun/Sing with Pride
WHAT: Mercer alumnus McKinley Starks and Yutoya Leon, co-show director of The Tribe Macon, Macon’s premiere drag show troupe, will pair to host a free outdoor cabaret. Theatrical dress is encouraged.
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Third Street Park
COST: Free Admission
WHAT: Members of The Tribe Macon will collaborate with Season 13 contestant of “Rupaul's Drag Race,” LaLa Ri, and other Middle Georgia drag queens for a fun-filled night.
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 24, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Hargray Capitol Theatre
COST: $15
Macon Pride Festival
WHAT: LGBTQ community members and allies are welcome to gather and celebrate in downtown Macon. DJ B3 will provide the beats while vendor booths distribute information and education. The North Central Health District will conduct confidential HIV testing and Women in Unity will administer COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone in need.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25, noon - 5 p.m.
WHERE: Third Street Park
COST: Free Admission
Macon Pride Dance Party
WHAT: DJ B3 will host while JBA, Macon’s downtown music venue, supplies alcohol to dancing attendees.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
WHERE: Third Street Park
COST: Free Admission
Worship Service and Family Picnic
WHAT: End the week of celebrations peacefully at this multi-faith worship service featuring leaders from around Macon’s LGBTQ and faith communities. Chairs, coolers, tent and picnic foods are encouraged so that you can mingle and make friends during the following fellowship.
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 26, noon - 3 p.m.
WHERE: Coleman Hill
COST: Free Admission
Ivy Marie Clarke ‘22 is an English literature and creative writing double major, double minoring in art and women’s and gender studies. She has served as editor of the Arts & Culture section of The Cluster for the last two years. She also interns with Macon Magazine and Mercer University Press and edits for The Dulcimer. She also enjoys drinking coffee and writing poetry.
