Yes, pride month was June, but Eugene has a long tradition of holding pride events in August, and the national pride month hasn’t ended that!

If you’ve never been, it’s a family-friendly event at Alton-Baker Park, with booths, live music, food, costumes, face-painting, kid’s activities, and rainbows everywhere.

I go with my family every year to support the community, to have fun, and - this part’s a little personal - support my family (several of whom are LGBTQ+).

If you’re worried about it being risque, don’t be. It’s specifically an all-ages event, so there won’t be anyone traipsing around naked (and if there is, they’ll be arrested).

Oh, and if you’re straight and cisgender, like me? Definitely go. It’s healthy and humbling to be in the minority. You should also go to show the bigots who inevitably show up to events like this that we’re all one community and won’t be divided by unreasoning hate.