Hendersonville Pride Day will be a day of commemoration; of food, fun, and festivities; and a day for the entire community to celebrate our inclusivity and diversity.
This year is the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, which occurred on June 28, 1969, and is considered by historians to be the start of the modern Gay Rights Movement. A year after Stonewall, on June 28, 1970, the first Gay Pride Marches were held in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. This year’s Hendersonville Pride Day will coincide with Stonewall 50/World Pride during the month of June, with Pride events all over the world commemorating Stonewall and celebrating LGBTQ Pride. It is anticipated that Stonewall 50/World Pride will be the largest International celebration of LGBTQ Pride ever in history.
Mayoral Proclamation
The community is invited to a proclamation by Mayor Barbara Volk at city hall on Thursday, June 6 at 5:45 pm, declaring Saturday, June 15 as Hendersonville Pride Day, the first of its kind in Henderson County.
Movie Night
Kicking off the commemoration and celebration in Hendersonville will be a Movie Night on the evening of Friday, June 14 at 7:00 pm. A 120-minute film about Stonewall will be shown, “Stonewall Uprising,” an American Experience/PBS presentation, followed by open discussion and fellowship in this new venue. The event will take place at The Center for Arts and Inspiration, 125 South Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Seating is first come first served. It is free to attend!
Picnic in the Park
Starting Saturday’s festivities will be a Picnic in the Park (Family Friendly Potluck) at the Patton Park Pavilion from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, including games for kids. You are encouraged to bring a dish or beverage to share. Hamburgers with the fixins will be available, and “old school” music will keep your feet moving. Beginning at 2:00 pm, there will be inspirational speakers Mark Stanley (Trinity Presbyterian), Karla Miller (First Congregational), and Joan Saniuk (MCC Sacred Journey), who will remind us why this anniversary of Stonewall is so important.
Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus
At 3:30 pm and again at 7:00 pm, The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus will present their Stonewall Concert at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe Street, Hendersonville, NC 28791. This initial Roger Smith Concert is sponsored by First Congregational Church (UCC), Hendersonville. Established in 2019, The Roger Smith Concerts are founded on a commitment to the community and to a higher purpose—not only music, but music that can bring diverse peoples together.
This concert is presented free of charge to all. Due to limited seating, tickets are required and can be obtained beginning May 16 online at www.fcchendersonville.org/upcomingevent. Doors will open at 3:00 pm for the afternoon performance, and at 6:00 pmfor the evening performance. The show at 7:00 p.m. has already sold out, so act quick!
Be a part of this historic occasion both locally and worldwide by showing your support and PRIDE by attending one or all of these special events here in Hendersonville!