/wp:image
wp:image {“id”:59874}
/wp:image
wp:paragraph
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The Cherry Bombs, a charity group with members in Winslow and Holbrook hosted Winslow’s first Pride event last week. The event, which included a family barbecue and a drag show, was, according to organizers, an unexpected success.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Annually, the month of June is dedicated as Pride Month world-wide. It is considered a time to recognize and support members of the LBGQT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, etc.) community. Further, it is an opportunity for members of the community to celebrate their diversity. The history of Pride month is wrought with conflict and protests as the LGBQT+ have been fighting for equal rights since the early 1960s. In today’s era, it is much more about the celebration of those who identify as LGBQT+.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The barbecue saw over 200 people in attendance. Attendee Dee Dee Dixon said, “My kids had so much fun, I never heard them say they were bored once. They even won the water balloon toss. Thank you to the Cherry Bombs for putting on this event.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Members of Cherry Bombs also had comments on the event. Jillian Stotts said, “I was pleased to see so many young people at the barbecue, so many young people not afraid to be who they are and to show themselves as they truly identify. I am glad we were able to give them the space to do so.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
There were kids’ activities and guests ate grilled hot dogs and many side dishes. The event was sponsored by various local businesses and citizens who felt the event was important. Winslow City Council member Sam Crisp made a monetary donation as well as donated snow cones. “This is so important to show our young citizens–I mean high schoolers, junior high schoolers–that they are loved no matter how they identify. We, as a community, need to nurture these kids as they are our future.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Other sponsors were Windmill Legacy, AJ Catering, Tutu Cute by Kristal Hayes and PT’s Bar.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The evening activities included a show featuring drag performers at PT’s Bar. Professional drag queens, as well as amateurs graced the stage to an enormous response from the community.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
One of those queens was professional performer Vicky C. Summers, who came from Scottsdale to participate in the show. “I usually bring in a pretty high price tag to perform in drag,” Summers said. “But when I heard that Winslow was doing a pride party, I wanted to come see what it was all about. I had never been to Winslow, but I was curious to see what the turn out would be and the response, of course. I am pleasantly surprised. Everyone has been great and if you ever do anything drag related again, let me know, I will be here.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Summers, who headlines pride events all over the country, donated her time in participating in the event. “It’s powerful that we were able to do this in this town,” she added, “I will do it again.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
More than 300 people attended the drag show. Performers each presented two pieces and received tips from the audience. Audience member Isidro Cota said, “It was jam-packed with fun, witty and talented performers from all different walks of life… exactly what pride represents.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
“The overall response from Winslow has been positive and I think next year this event will be even bigger,” said Stotts.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
“Obviously, we could not have pulled this off without our partners in the community and I think it’s really telling that so many stepped up to help. I know for me, I met people that I would never have met in other circumstances. I see now how many different identities and orientations there are out there. I also see that Winslow has a lot of love to give and I think it was great to let them know that we are here for them.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
“You know, not everyone has a great support system when they come out as gay or bisexual or transgender, but I think we were able to show some of these young people that they have a safe space to be themselves. It was very eye opening and I was very proud to be a part of it.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
According to Stotts, The Cherry Bombs plan to continue the event annually. “Next year, we will have even more hugs to give.”
/wp:paragraph
