June is Pride Month, a dedicated celebration of love, diversity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month offers a time to reflect on the progress that has been made towards acceptance and rights, as well as recognize ongoing struggles and work that still needs to be done.
Whether you’re a member of the community or an ally, there are many ways to show support and celebrate during Pride Month. Don’t miss out on the fun to be had at these local events, parades and artistic offerings.
48 events through Park Circle Pride
The annual Park Circle Pride from June 4 through 9 sees the return of well-loved traditions, like drag brunches, trivia, queer prom and so much more — plus new events, including a free clothing swap at Closet Case Thrift, a pool party at Starlight Motor Inn and two nights with gay stand-up comic Ian Aber at a new Rivers Avenue joint, Wit’s End Comedy Lounge.
“There’s something for everyone” in this year’s diverse and eclectic festival, Park Circle Pride founder Simon Cantlon said.
“It’s easily one of the most eclectic pride festivals in the country. We’ve got multiple events going on every day of the festival. From drag brunches to an art walk to poetry, to a pool party – you name it.”
The week of events will be held at various locations around the Park Circle, and the participating bars, restaurants and breweries will donate a portion of sales to local LGBTQ+ organizations We Are Family and Alliance for Full Acceptance.
Stardust Tattoos offers two days of pride-themed flash tattoos. Or, catch a storytelling event with trans artist and author S. Bear Bergman at South of Broadway Theater in a show called “First Jew in Canada: A Trans Tale.” There’s also a vinyl drag night at Stems and Skins, and perhaps the festival’s most loved tradition, the Queer Prom, this year held at the Park Circle Community Building with an appearance from RuPaul’s Drag Race star, Luxx Noir London.
“The festival also celebrates the amazing neighborhood of Park Circle,” Cantlon said, “How diverse it is and how we open our doors to everybody in our neighborhood.” Find the full lineup at parkcirclepride.com.
Soirée of Shadows hosts a goth dance party
“Goth is more than just music — it is the acceptance and love of all darkness persisting in the world. We turn all our sadness and anger towards this hateful, oppressive society into community power. The Soirée highlights black and LGBT artists to create a space for all to dance and create a world we love to live in.”
Local goth event organizer Soirée of Shadows is parterning with Park Circle Pride to offer an event called New Romantics Goth Nite, a dance party “for the goths and the gays,” said organizer Malcolm Robinson.
The June 7 event will be held at Purple Buffalo in North Charleston, offering a chance to dance your way into the ‘80s — “New wave/romantics is the gayest part of our subculture.” There will be drag performances from Medusa Chaos, Novacane O’Bishop and Darlene Dearest, plus DJ sets. Tickets are $10 with 10% of profits going to local LGBTQ organizations.
Clothing Swap at Closet Case thrift
The only LGBT-owned and operated thrift store in South Carolina, Closet Case, offers a gender-inclusive shopping experience from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 6. In partnership with Park Circle Pride, the store hosts a free clothing swap.
Bring gently used clothing items to swap with friends, and meet fellow queer folks interested in sustainability, vintage, and the power of what Closet Case calls the “thrift-ique” movement: affordable shopping while giving back to the community. The store’s motto, after all, is reduce, rethink and re-slay.
Music and movement: “Born this way”
Founded in 2023 by Gillian Zettler and Chandler Frisbie, The Drop In organizes diverse experiences, like its Happier Hours series, which celebrates its second installment as a part of Park Circle Pride.
The Drop In’s Happier Hours event on the morning of June 8 is one part fitness and one part performance, promising an infusion of music and movement. Guests have the flexibility to participate in one or both components. It’ll be held at the historic Navy Yard in North Charleston.
It all kicks off with an 8:30 am and will kick off with a “WERQOUT” led by acclaimed NYC-based movement facilitator, Ariel Padilla. Participants will engage in a high-energy HIIT workout with a focus on fun, community and group choreography.
Following the workout, attendees will have a moment to refresh before gathering again for a one-day choir experience. Led by facilitator Kenter Davies, participants will have the opportunity to sing in harmony, celebrating the connective power of music and building community in the process.
This event is open to all, with no auditions or experience necessary. The featured piece will be “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, an anthem of self-love and radical acceptance that aligns perfectly with the spirit of Park Circle Pride. Learn more at thedropin.com.
The June 1 downtown parade and after-party
Celebrate pride downtown with the annual June 1 Pride Parade on King Street. All are welcome to take part in the festivities. Make sure to wear your best rainbow attire for the parade which starts at 9 a.m. Charleston Pride is brought to you by a group of dedicated volunteers. Learn more at charlestonpride.org.
And in partnership with Charleston Pride, The Ryder Hotel will host Charleston Pride’s official after-party. Head to the Little Palm Springs Pride Party from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 1, (reservations required) to enjoy delicious bites, DJ sets and inspired cocktails. A live DJ will be spinning all afternoon and local drag queen Carmella Monroe will cap the event with an exclusive performance at 3 p.m.
A special cocktail menu will be available, featuring refreshing drinks inspired by legendary style icons. A portion of the proceeds from every Pride Month cocktail sold throughout the day and the rest of the month will benefit Charleston Pride.
Irvin Dinkel, general manager of The Ryder Hotel, said he’s excited to make the Ryder Hotel’s pride programming “bigger and better than ever. We cannot wait to see everyone come out to support such an important cause.” Find the full lineup of events at theryderhotel.com.
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