GLOW OUT plans Pride Parade and Festival in Batavia on June 8
Press Release, GLOW OUT
BATAVIA – Batavia Pride is celebrating its sixth year in 2024. The celebration of LGBTQ+ love and resilience has grown each year since 2019 with the support of communities and allies.
“We’re very excited about Pride this year,” said GLOW OUT! President John Couri.
GLOW OUT! provides trainings, youth support, and community events to raise awareness and celebrate those in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties who are LGBTQ+ – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning. Many allies – straight people who support and advocate for their loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community – also attend Pride each year.
“We know that having fun events like Pride are empowering, especially for young people,” Couri said. “It’s important for people to connect and celebrate one another – especially for a young person, who might go to a small school and feel isolated.”
Batavia Pride begins Friday, June 1, with opening remarks and raising of the pride flag at 5:30 p.m. at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church at 300 East Main Street. Afterward, all are welcome for a Block Party from 6 – 8 p.m., also at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church. The Block Party will include raffles, refreshments, and the coronation of Batavia Pride 2024’s Rainbow Court – honoring local youth who will be given a prominent spot in the parade.
Events continue on Friday, June 7, when GO ART! will host a professional happy hour for those 21 and over from 4 – 6 p.m. at GO ART!, 201 Main Street in Batavia. Also on Friday, June 7, all are welcome at Eden Café’s First Friday art exhibition from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at 242 Ellicott Street.
The parade and festival will be on Saturday, June 8, beginning with a Story Hour event for families in Jackson Square at 3 p.m. The Pride Parade will line up at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, with marchers assembling at 4 p.m. and stepping off at 5 p.m. The route will cross Main Street, turn left onto Washington Avenue and left again onto Bank Street, finishing back at Jackson Square where the Pride Festival (including vendors, food trucks, and multiple drag shows) will go from 6 – 10 p.m.
“We look forward to a great turnout again this year,” Couri said. “On top of Batavia Pride, we are in conversation with other groups to do more Pride events in Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties this summer – stay tuned!”
To contribute to Batavia Pride, or inquire about planning additional events, contact Couri at President@glowout.org.
GLOW OUT! provides education and awareness of and around the LGBTQ+ community; creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. More information is available at www.glowout.org.
