By Steven McCan
Are you ready to be part of history? Drum roll please… Philadelphia is all set for the launch of OURfest, America’s first-ever parade and festival designed to celebrate National Coming Out Day! Forget about the ordinary; this October, the City of Brotherly Love is about to give you something sensational.
Organized by Pride 365, a program of Galaei, OURfest stands for Our Uniting Resilience. A testament to the power and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community, OURfest marks a milestone in America’s rich social tapestry. Trust us, you wouldn’t want to miss this game-changing event on National Coming Out Day weekend, October 6-8, 2023.
The best part? OURfest isn’t just a one-day celebration. It’s a full, immersive, three-day weekend dedicated to the vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ community. The agenda? A kick-off event on Friday, the inaugural parade on Saturday, October 7, 2023, and culminating in a unique festival and resource fair on Sunday, October 8, 2023. To remember this date, mark your calendars, book your tickets, and click here to sign up for a history-making weekend!
The streets of Philadelphia, known for historic firsts, will play host to a spectacular showcase of unity, resilience, and pride. March alongside hundreds of supporters, awash under the colors of the all-inclusive, awe-inspiring 200 feet rainbow flag. Remember, it’s not just a parade; it’s a celebration of individual journeys, resilience, and the splendor of the LGBTQIA+ community.
But the delights of OURfest don’t end with the parade. Be prepared for a breathtaking National Coming Out Festival on Sunday, October 8, 2023. With an array of community resources, an extensive family zone, and a selection of sumptuous treats from mobile bars and food trucks, the festival promises to be a euphoric carnival of color, unity, and celebration. Follow PhillyGayCalendar] for an updated schedule of all LGBTQIA+ events in the Greater Philadelphia region on that weekend.
Galaei’s Pride 365 Initiative, known for their illustrious record-breaking achievements, is the powerhouse behind these trend-setting events. They have been creating waves in the LGBTQ+ scene, and now they are gearing up to redefine National Coming Out Day with the launch of OURfest.
Indeed, Tyrell Brown, Galaei Executive Director and Community Organizer, echoed the same sentiment. “Gay Pride and National Coming Out are crucial opportunities for our communities to join together in celebration and reflection, find family and togetherness, gain access to resources, and share the love, art, and joy,” Brown said.
OURfest is more than just an event. It’s about amplifying the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community, acknowledging their struggles and celebrating their triumphs. It’s about building a more inclusive, accepting, and vibrant society where everyone feels safe to express their true selves. It’s time we tell our coming out stories, it’s time we unite and celebrate!
Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your stories! So come along and join us as we paint the town every shade of the rainbow. Come to Philly for OURfest, and be prepared to create unforgettable memories.
Stay tuned for more updates on OURfest. For more information on participating, sponsoring, or volunteering, head over to nationalcomingout.org or send your queries to [email protected]. Be part of history, be part of OURfest, your festival!