Ashly Araya
Among Louisiana's residents—its artists, its creators, its champions—are countless LGBTQ+ individuals contributing their own unique talents to the big-yet-small, like-no-other community of the Bayou State. In June, we take National Pride Month as an excuse to celebrate this vibrant community with parades, festivals, film screenings, talks, and more. Here are some highlights:
Baton Rouge
June 3: Baton Rouge Pride Talent Show
Leur Magazine debuts Baton Rouge's first Pride Talent Show this Pride Month, showcasing the talent of Louisiana's LGBTQIA+ community in a fun, family-friendly show on the Theatre Baton Rouge stage. 7:30 pm. $15. charliefeet.com.
June 5–July 3: WHY PRIDE? A Collaboration with the Trevor Project Exhibition in the Shell Gallery
The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge has collaborated with the Trevor Project for a Pride Month exhibition in the Shell Gallery highlighting the coming out stories of a variety of LGBTQIA+ youth, and how they have sought solace from injustice and prejudice through community. An opening reception will take place June 22 from 5:30 pm–7:30 pm. Free. artsbr.org.
June 16–17: BRSO's Candlelight Pride: Celebrating Queer Musical Icons
The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra is celebrating Pride Month with an intimate candlelight concert of hits by queer musical icons at the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center's John and Virginia Noland Black Box Studio. Performances at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. $35–$55 at brso.org.
June 23: Manship's Stand Up Comedy Series: Jen Kober with Special Guest Jeff D
Lake Charles funny-woman Jen Kober has recently landed on national stages with her stand-up show, which combines storytelling with improv rock-n-roll comedy for a hard-hitting hour of belly-aching hilarity. On the Manship Stage as part of Baton Rouge Pride's series of events this June. 7:30 pm. $40–$50. manshiptheatre.org.
June 24: Baton Rouge Pride Fest
Established to engender a sense of community among Baton Rouge's LGBTQ+ community, Baton Rouge Pride Fest centers around a Community Resource Fair, "The Rainbow Bazaar," showcasing the Baton Rouge area's non-profits and social-services organizations. There will also be the third annual Artsfest called the "Queerative Market" in partnership with LEUR magazine—featuring local queer artists. Plus, plenty fo entertainment will be provided by local performers and drag queens. It all takes place at the Raising Cane's River Center's Exhibition Halls, River View Room, and Galleria. Noon–7 pm, open to all ages. Free. brpride.org.
Jose Maria Sava
New Orleans
June 9: Saint John Pride Drag Brunch
Chef Eric Cook's Saint John restaurant in the French Quarter is celebrating Pride Month with a Drag Brunch featuring bottomless bubbles, Pride-themed cocktails, and of fierce queens. Ten percent of all drink proceeds in June will benefit House of Tulip New Orleans, which provides access to housing and other resources for Trans and Gender Nonconforming individuals. Every Friday and Saturday from 11 am–2 pm. Reserve at neworleans.com. saintjohnnola.com.
June 10: New Orleans PrideFest & Parade
When it comes to LGBTQ+ pride, New Orleans has historically gone big. This year is no different, with the New Orleans PrideFest and Parade rolling strong. Kicking off at Phoenix Bar with a full-on block party from 10:30 am–5 pm, with colorful entertainment provided by Drea "I am Drea" Kaigler, Giselle Trivianni, Cybil Unrest, and many many more. Then, at 6 pm, rainbows will roll through the Marigny, culminating in an afterparty back at the Phoenix. Free. neworleanspride.org and nolapridefest.org.
June 23–25: Up Stairs Lounge 50th Anniversary Commemoration Weekend
To commemorate the deadliest fire in New Orleans history—the 1973 arson of the French Quarter gay bar the Up Stairs Lounge—THNOC and the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana are hosting a weekend of remembrance and education. Most events are free. Find the full schedule and more information at hnoc.org.
Toni Reed
Acadiana
June 8–30: Invisible Tears: A Journey into the Artists of the LGBTQ+ Community at the Hilliard
Invisible Tears: A Journey into the Artists of the LGBTQ+ Community is an exhibition of works by three artists from the Hilliard's permanent collection who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. On display at the Hilliard Art Museum through June. hilliardmuseum.org.
June 3: Pride Acadiana: Queer Film Festival
Kicking off Pride Month, Pride Acadiana is hosting a showcase at Cité des Arts of queer stories from Southern filmmakers. So far the lineup includes shorts with titles like Brunch Before Baptism and Violet Butterfield: Makeup Artist for the Dead, and a ton of Louisiana filmmakers will be featured. 4:30 pm–6:30 pm. Details at acadianaqueercollective.org.
June 17: Pride Heritage Table
NUNU invites members of the LGBTQA+ community and their loved ones and supporters for a cultural heritage table every third Saturday of the month, hosted by Acadiana support groups AQC, LTA, and PFLAG. The topic for July will be the history of Pride. 2 pm–4 pm. Free. nunuaccollective.homesteadcloud.com.
June 24: Pride Acadiana
A celebration of community, acceptance, and the many contributions of our LGBTQ+ friends for all in downtown Lafayette marking Pride Month. 10:30 am–4 pm. Free. acadianaqueercollective.org.
