SIOUX CITY, IA. – One of Iowa’s western-most communities is kicking off a four-day Pride weekend tonight that also involves the efforts of two groups.
SUX Pride and the Siouxland Pride Alliance are both presenting a variety of events from tonight through Sunday, starting with tonight’s free Pride parade at 6 p.m. Walkers are welcome to join if they show up by 5 p.m., and the community is invited to attend an after-party at the new Kings & Queens Club starting at 7 p.m.
Friday night continues the celebration with Pineapple, a burlesque and leather show at The Marquee, and a drag show at Kings & Queens.
Above, SUX Pride’s parade contingent in last year’s Pride parade. Cover image is courtesy of Siouxland Pride Alliance and features a look at least year’s parade, too.
The two Pride groups will hold their events Saturday separately, but near each other in and around the Sioux City Convention Center, 801 4th St. Altogether, attendees to the downtown Saturday celebrations can enjoy a community resource fair, kids’ space, a sensory-free space, food trucks, educational seminars, a DJ, and performances by drag artists and musicians. SUX Pride also presents Youth Pride Night at 5 p.m., featuring bingo and drag, and an All-Stars drag show for adults at 6 p.m.
The celebration wraps up Sunday with an 11 a.m. Pride Interfaith service presented by Siouxland Pride, the Mayflower Congregational Church, and the First Unitarian Church of Sioux City, and an 11 a.m. drag brunch at The Hard Rock presented by SUX Pride.
Overall, the two groups are predicting the “biggest and most diverse” Pride celebration in Sioux City’s history.
Siouxland Pride Alliance is a nonprofit that presents the Sioux City Pride Parade and Festival, and other events year-round.
“It is so great to have so many people come together and celebrate and have a good time and learn,” says Martina Shakers, with SUX Pride.
Siouxland Pride Alliance holds its part of the fun Saturday outside of the west end of Sioux City Convention Center. It aims for a “family-friendly” feel and is alcohol-free.
Organizer Karen Mackey said the fun includes a children’s zone with pinatas, rabbit petting, and more. In addition, the group has added a sensory-free space for the first time, “for those that are autistic,” or for anyone to “sit and relax,” Mackey says.
Siouxland Pride will also provide a free lunch to every attendee. “This is something that is important to us from the beginning,” Mackey said. “We make sure everyone is welcome and just have fun.”
SUX Pride’s festival happens at the same time, inside the convention center.
SUX Pride presents events all afternoon Saturday inside the Sioux City Convention Center, plus evening events and more.
“SUX Pride means a lot to me,” Shakers said, “It’s a celebration of people from different cultures, different sexualities, gender identities, coming together and celebrating what makes them unique, what unifies them.”
SUX Pride is offering educational seminars covering topics such as parenting queer or transgender children, finding safe spaces, HIV intervention, domestic violence, substance abuse and more.
Seven food vendors will be set up inside the convention center, offering Mexican, Asian, desserts and more.
Performers are also an important part of SUX Pride, with 16 to be featured. Among them: John Oh Kennedy, a performer who focuses on creating awareness for HIV and providing safe spaces for people living with HI; and Viola Velvet, also known as Vivacious Vixen, the former South Dakota Pride Ultimate Entertainer.
SUX Pride and other drags events this weekend feature dozens of performers. Above a collage some featured in SUX Pride’s All-star show Saturday evening.
Both organizers expressed appreciation for the community support that makes their events possible.
“Our pride festival would be nothing without our community involvement,” says Shakers. “It is so great to have so many people come together and celebrate and have a good time and learn.”
To find out more about SUX Pride, visit their Facebook page. To find out more about the Siouxland Pride Alliance, visit their website.
(Mike Pace and Christine Hawes contributed to this report)
