June is Pride month and locally there have already been multiple events to commemorate and celebrate, including NKY Pride, which took place on June 11. Cincinnati Pride kicks off next week. Here are some events leading up to the Pride Parade and Festival at Sawyer Point downtown on Saturday, June 25. Visit cincinnatipride.org or facebook.com/cincinnatipride for more info and events.
SATURDAY June 17
Pride Concert with Cincinnati Men’s Chorus — Inspired by the influence of African-American composers, arrangers and performers, the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus celebrates the music that gave the queer community the strength and will to keep fighting for their pride. Join them as the travel through the music of Berry Gordy’s Motown all the way to Macy Gray’s Sexual Revolution. 8 p.m. June 17; 2 p.m. June 18. $25. School for Creative and Performing Arts, 108 W Central Parkway, Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatimenschorus.org.
Rocky Horror Picture Show: Pride Edition — Give yourself over to complete pleasure with Cincinnati’s Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast, The Denton Affair. Come early for the preshow, where current and alumni cast members, including Tequila Mockingbyrd, will perform drag. All tips will go toward LGBTQ+ charities. Come out at midnight, sip on a drink and prepare to celebrate pride. 11:55 p.m. June 17. Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, rhps.net.
SUNDAY June 18
Cincinnati Queer Yoga — Cincinnati Queer Yoga’s mission is to teach people to learn to feel good and safe in their bodies in a supportive environment. No yoga experience necessary. Includes a curated playlist of some favorite queer artist icons. Class donations benefit local LGBTQ+ organizations. 10 a.m. June 18. $15 suggested donation. The Yoga Bar, 15 W. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/cincyqueeryoga.
MONDAY June 19
Wiggin’ Out — Grab some drinks and celebrate Pride Week with the Below Zero Lounge and The Cabaret. Watch as staff get dolled up, lip sync, dance and raise money for Cincinnati Pride. Attendees are encouraged to donate $10, channel their inner fierceness and wear their favorite wig. 8- 11 p.m. June 19. Donations recommended. The Cabaret, 1122 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, cabaretcincinnati.com.
TUESDAY June 20
Laugh Out Proud with Pandora Boxx & Julie Goldman — Join in hilarity this Cincinnati Pride Week as out comic Julie Goldman of The Big Gay Sketch Show joins Pandora Boxx of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame for Laugh Out Proud. Stick around for a meet and greet after the show. For the 21 and older crowd; sorry kids. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. June 20. $20 floor; $10 standing/balcony. The Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyticket.com/laughoutproud.
WEDNESDAY June 21
Pride Movie Night: Hairspray — Grab a blanket, come dressed as your favorite character (and win prizes doing so) and watch Hairspray at Washington Park. Get ready to sing along. Film begins at dusk (9 p.m.-ish) June 21. Free. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, washingtonpark.org.
Pop Up Drag Show — After the movie, mosey over to Queen City Radio, which is hosting a pop up drag show, hosted by Jessica Dimon and featuring Rita Dela Novah, Nichelle Kartier, Rahanna and Kataleya. A portion of the money raised from JELLO shot sales will be donated to Cincinnati Pride and QCR will double the amount of money raised. Food and snow cone vendors will be onsite as drag queens strut for pride. Ages 21 and older. 11 p.m. June 21. Donations recommended. Queen City Radio, 222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, qcrbar.com.
THURSDAY June 22
Pride Party — The sexiest night of Cincinnati Pride Week, this party features go-go dancing from Andrew Christian Models’ own Austin, Jacob and Jorge with Cin City Burlesque performers from Koko Ganache, Rocky Road and Ruby Porte. Dance unabashedly throughout the night and don’t forget to bring cash to tip. Ages 21 and older. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. June 22. $15 advance; $20 at the door. 20th Century Theater, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley, the20thcenturytheatre.com.
FRIDAY June 23
Cincinnati Pride Community Recognition Awards — Honor members from the LGBTQ+ community for their work and activism. 7-9 p.m. June 23. $15. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, contemporaryartscenter.org.
The Babadook: PRIDE Screening — Unfurl on The Video Archive’s cinema patio for a screening of the The Babadook, a movie whose main monster recently rose as a gay icon via Tumblr. Bring a blanket to hide under and “prepare to be Babashook” all while celebrating Pride and slurping on an array of cocktails. 9 p.m. June 23. Free admission. The Video Archive, 965 E. McMillian, Walnut Hills, thatgrindhousebar.com.
SATURDAY June 24
Cincinnati Pride Parade — Celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community and allies — and the individuals, groups and businesses that make it up — and embrace the diversity of Pride. Watch as a parade makes its way through Cincinnati, starting downtown at the intersection of Seventh Street and Central Avenue before funneling into Vine Street, Freedom Way and into the festival grounds at Sawyer Point/Yeatman’s Cove. This year’s Pride Grand Marshals are Lea DeLaria from Orange is the New Black and Chuck Beatty, director of the local OutReels Cincinnati Film Festival. 11 a.m. June 24. Free. Various locations, cincinnatipride.org.
Cincinnati Pride Festival — After witnessing the parade, celebrate Pride even further with a festival. Food trucks, drinks, vendors and entertainment will fill Sawyer Point/Yeatman’s Cove. Bring a rainbow flag and some sunblock — the festival runs all day. Entertainment will fill two stages with acts including local DJ sets, drags showcases, performances from the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus and more, including a headlining Cincinnati’s Drag Race Show at 8 p.m., hosted by Michelle Visage and featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race favorites BenDeLaCreme, Pearl, Derrick Barry, Tatianna and Roxxxy Andrews. Noon-9 p.m. June 24. Free. Sawyer Point, 705 E Pete Rose Way, cincinnatipride.org.
Lea DeLaria: An Evening of Music and Comedy — Comedian, actress, musician and 2017 Pride Parade Grand Marshal Lea DeLaria (Orange is the New Black) presents an evening of music and comedy. 7:30 p.m. June 24. $45-$75. Live! at the Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, liveattheludlowgarage.com.
SUNDAY June 25
My Big Gay Brunch — Spend the morning after Cincinnati Pride basking in a rainbow-infused brunch at the Metropole at 21c. Includes cocktails, performances by local drag queens and a delicious meal to boot prepared by executive chef Jared Bennett. Head to the lobby to check out a display of multi-colored penguins. The 21c’s traditional yellow penguin sculpture is joined by a flock of rainbow friends. 11:30 p.m.-2 p.m. June 25. $35. Metropole at 21c, 609 Walnut St., Downtown, 21cmuseumhotels.com.
Cincinnati Queer Yoga — Cincinnati Queer Yoga’s mission is to teach people to learn to feel good and safe in their bodies in a supportive environment. No yoga experience necessary. Includes a curated playlist of some favorite queer artist icons. Class donations benefit local LGBTQ+ organizations. 10 a.m. June 25. $15 suggested donation. The Yoga Bar, 15 W. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/cincyqueeryoga.
This article appears in Jun 14-21, 2017.
