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Central Oregon Gets Gay for Pride Week

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Central Oregon's LGBT Pride Week kicked off Sunday with a BBQ and picnic in Farewell Bend Park and continues tonight with events for all ages and inclinations. Here's the rundown of all the ways to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Central Oregon Pride (as well as the Bend's non-discrimination ordinance) and the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots (so much history!).

TUESDAY, JUNE 24
6:30-8:30 pm
Bouncing Off The Wall

Gay is a synonym for happy, so perhaps that's why folks are planning to jump for joy at Bouncing Off The Wall—Bend's "inflatable fun center." Be honest, whenever you see one of those bouncy house contraptions you feel a twinge of jealousy toward the children and their care-free frolicking. Well, now is your chance to take your inner child out to play. When was the last time you sumo wrestled or engaged in Nerf sword battle? The best part—Pride sponsors are footing the bill, so you can get footloose and fancy free, for free.

FRIDAY, JUNE 27
5:30-7:30 pm
Reception for Pride Foundation
Seven Restaurant and Nightclub

Pride Foundation—an organization that funds LGBT groups and causes—will be in town for its annual retreat, so the Human Dignity Coalition (the folks who put on Pride) are holding a meet-and-greet. Pride Foundation is a major funder of the HDC and a sponsor of Pride. Whether you appreciate the work they do or you're just in it for the networking opportunities, all are welcome.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28
Noon-6 pm
10th Annual Central Oregon Pride Festival
Drake Park

This is the main event, with performances, booths, food vendors and more. Among the featured performers are Portland's much-beloved drag queen Poison Waters (and friends), singer-songwriter Jeremiah Clark and local favorites including MOsley WOtta, Noah Stroup, Strive Roots Band and more. Family friendly, but no dogs allowed. We'll have the full story in this week's issue.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28
7 pm
Stonewall Inn Celebration
Seven Restaurant and Nightclub

After the festival at Drake Park, revelers will keep the party going while recognizing another other big anniversary—the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. If you're not familiar, the riots at the Stonewall Inn are widely considered to be the crystallizing moment for the LGBT rights movement (roughly analogous to Rosa Parks' bus protest). On June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the bar (a common practice at the time) and patrons fought back. The following year, the Christopher Street Liberation Day march was essentially the first Pride parade.

For more details, check out the Central Oregon Pride website. If you're still not in the mood, let our Our Lady Judy help you out.

Note: This has been a message from your friendly local "homo-hustling" reporter. I'm not only a known homosexual, I sit on the board of the Human Dignity Coalition.