Oakdale’s first Pride event is moving forward this weekend after organizers changed venues following pushback over its original location and a planned drag performance.<\/p>\n
Some residents pushed back over the event’s original location at Dorada Park and a planned drag performance.<\/p>\n
“I also understand staff has issued a permit for a so-called Pride event,” one speaker said during the latest City Council meeting.<\/p>\n
Another speaker raised concerns about the event being advertised as open to all ages, including children, and having a drag queen host.<\/p>\n
After the public pushback, organizers moved the event indoors to the Bianchi Center.<\/p>\n
“It was a huge upgrade to be able to provide a more accessible space in the heart of Oakdale,” said Ryan Hall, president of CalPride.<\/p>\n
Hall said the idea to bring Pride to the city did not come from outside Oakdale, it came from people living there.<\/p>\n
“That’s my place as a mom of rainbow kids, absolutely,” said Elizabeth May, owner of Sisters Coffee.<\/p>\n
May’s coffee shop hosts a monthly LGBTQ+ social.<\/p>\n
“I had a young man walk in here and say, ‘We don’t have anywhere to have a social here for LGBTQ.’ I said, ‘Heck yes,'” May said.<\/p>\n
Still, the backlash has left parents like May concerned.<\/p>\n
“How does it feel? Scary. I’m excited, but as a mom of a kid in the community, I’m nervous for them,” May said.<\/p>\n
May said the venue change helped ease some of the tension.<\/p>\n
“The different venue made a win-win situation for everyone. I was very proud of the kids for making that hard decision,” May said.<\/p>\n
For organizers, the drag performance is part of the celebration.<\/p>\n
“Enjoy some line dancing, enjoy some live music, enjoy the drag show, and then also enjoy community members and our local businesses, our local artists and partner organizations,” Hall said.<\/p>\n
Oakdale Pride is scheduled for Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry is free.<\/p>\n
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