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| (Source: A New Lodi) |
Hello ladies and gents, I have a lovely little post today for you to gawk upon.
Celebrating their 2nd annual Pride Festival, A New Lodi returned to celebrate love, compassion and equality like never before. This festival was everything I dreamed it would be, considering me and my brother missed out on the first one last year because of Covid. But let me just tell you, this year was LOUD AND PROUD, BABY!
June 4th came with glitz, glam and absolute GORGEOUSNESS!
So many beautiful faces, gorgeous ladies and stunning fellas! All dressed to impress and steal hearts~
I'm so happy to see my little town grow and evolve into a beautiful safe haven for unique, talented and jaw-dropping individuals that make a day feel like home. Living in Lodi for more than 30+ years, I can promise you--it was never like this before. Growing up confused as to whom I was and where I could fit in, this town didn't help a DemiRomantic/Pansexual like me. (Doesn't help that i'm also a Witch Goblin!!) Being "Teased" is an understatement, coming from such a stubbornly impaired neighborhood of bible thumpers and religious nutcases using god to fuel their own self hatred and ugliness.
I have heard and seen it all. A few good friends of mine have either resulted to self harm, su*c*de or constant bullying because of being gay. How could something as beautiful as love result to death? I have told myself that constantly throughout my many years in Lodi.
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| (Source: its1221 on FB) |
Taking an excerpt from The Stockton Record:
“Nobody expected the pride festival to pop up in this city when usually pride festivals only happen in big cities like Stockton, San Francisco, LA you know the pride festivals are like a big city thing," said Kathleen Ellis, Lodi Pride Festival coordinator, A New Lodi Organization executive founding board member.
"But the very fact that Lodi needs it so much is very much the reason why we're having it here.”
Ellis said she experienced retaliation herself for coming out in Lodi as an adult. She said it’s a common narrative in Lodi for adults in their 30s to remain closeted and coming out not being an option for them.
“We've heard the rhetoric of Lodi being antiquated and it keeps a lot of diversity away. Gay people move away from here. People of color stay away from here,” Ellis said.
Lodi needed a change, Ellis said and she wanted to make a change, so she used her voice and resources to do so.
“I feel like I'm just trying to expedite the process and help these people in my community who have it within them to accept one another exactly how they are without hiding any part of their true colors,” Ellis said. --You can read the rest HERE!
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| (Source: A New Lodi) |
Apparently, last year was around 1,700 but I can't be sure for certain. I know that this year was doubled (if not, TRIPLED) in comparison, just by photos alone. I had such a great time; met so many amazing individuals, watched some fantastic Drag performances, tipped all the performers, heard some talented live musicians, met some local celebrities, BONKED SNOOTS OF PRIDE LOVING PUPPIES, bought a beautiful rainbow tee to support our Pride festival, obtained so many freebies/goodies, joined the raffle, took a TON of photos with so many smiling faces and enjoyed a tasty Spun Sugar Rainbow Drink from Gingerbugs! It was a day for the books, of that I am certain! VIVA LA PRIDE~
Enough with my rambling, allow me to show you the festivities and the LEWK me and my brother wore! Enjoy your stay~
(Click below to continue reading~)
