Over the years, the acronym beginning “LGBT” has gotten longer and longer. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender have been joined by queer, gender-fluid, non-binary, intersex, asexual and two spirits.
Chico’s Stonewall Alliance Center has recognized a common bond among these groups. All have faced misunderstanding, discrimination, bullying – and sometimes, even violence. Therefore, it’s not surprising that the theme for Stonewall’s June Pride Month is “All Together Now.”
Blue Martinez, coordinator of the plethora of Pride events, hopes the variety of activities attracts people from both inside and outside these categories. He welcomes people who are not LBGT+ because attending Pride events can promote understanding and help build a united community. Many of the events are family friendly.
“People feel isolated and divided. Intersectionality is important. It’s also important to come together as a whole community, working together to make things better. There’s a lot to navigate now – people are even being attacked by the government,” said Martinez.
Martinez, 25, came to Chico from the Los Angeles area to attend Chico State. “I fell in love with the community,” he said. “It’s big enough that there’s a lot going on here, but small enough that I’m constantly running into people I know.”
In addition to his work coordinating Pride, Martinez serves as Stonewall’s Transgender and Gender Non-Confirming program coordinator.
The Chico Pride Festival will headline June Pride Month. It’s set for Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Plaza. Martinez has received 62 booth signups, with more coming in every day. Information booths will feature government agencies and non-profit organizations.
For example, Butte County Public Health will offer free HIV and Monkey Pox testing. Vendors are lined up to sell art, jewelry, food, crafts, clothing and other items. Local performing artists, from bands to drag queens, will grace the stage, entertaining festival attendees all day.
This year, adult festival-goers will have the opportunity to cool off and enjoy an alcoholic beverage at Allies Pub, just across the street from the plaza. A DJ will provide entertainment for what is billed as a “garden party.” Those who wish to extend that day’s celebration can attend an after party at Duffy’s Tavern – also just across from the plaza – from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Pride Month kicks off with a teen dance May 29 at the 1078 Gallery, Park Ave., 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Youth ages 13-17 are invited to a fun and safe evening out.
“The dance is pretty big, given the population of this area. We get teens from all over – different schools, different cities. They travel from places like Red Bluff and Gridley,” said Martinez.
He added, “Some kids are accepted by their parents and can ask them for a ride to ‘the gay dance.’ Parents of other kids don’t have that level of understanding, so those kids don’t let their parents know or just say they’re going to a dance.”
Martinez and his committee have scheduled art activities. On June 10, a “drink and draw” will take place at Argus bar, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. At Chico Chai, Claire Fong will host a craft workshop on June 14, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
Drag artists are turning out in force and will perform Saturday, June 13, at Roselle’s Bar & Lounge starting at 8 p.m . – the doors will open at 7 p.m. Martinez received so much interest from drag performers all over Northern California that he is considering adding a second show. On May 30, drag artists will offer a children’s story time at the Chico Branch of the Butte County Library. Chico Reuse will add to the fun by bringing craft projects for the children.
Free Bird Yoga is offering a free session every Friday in June from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 pm.
A small group of LGBT+ people founded Stonewall Alliance Center of Chico more than 35 years ago. At first, the Pride Festival was held on the lawn behind the CARD Community Center. Later, it took place behind the Elks Lodge. In recent years, the festival moved to City Plaza. Martinez believes this increased visibility is important, as it makes the festival more accessible and welcoming to everyone.
More information about all Pride activities is available at the Stonewall Alliance Center website, or by calling 530-893-3336 or emailing the center at ce****@************co.org. Come by and say ‘Hey’ to ChicoSol, which will have a booth at the festival.
Nancy Park serves on the advisory board of ChicoSol.