Lehigh Valley Pride Festival Celebrates Community Visibility

The annual Lehigh Valley Pride festival drew several thousand attendees to SteelStacks in south Bethlehem on a humid Sunday afternoon. Hosted by the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, the event showcased a vibrant mix of entertainment, local vendors, and community support, highlighting the importance of visibility for the LGBT community.

Since moving the festival from Allentown to SteelStacks three years ago, attendees like Karen Van Gorden and Maureen Gramlich have noted improvements in the event’s atmosphere and accessibility. Gramlich expressed the significance of being open about one’s identity, stating, “There are things we can do now that we couldn’t do 15 years ago, such as coming out to admit that you were gay or anything. It’s good that other people know they can come out and tell people.”

Visibility was a recurring theme among attendees. Matt Morella, a student from Muhlenberg College, emphasized the need for openness, saying, “When it’s hidden, this kind of implies that it’s something that is not correct, or something that’s not morally acceptable.” He added that public acknowledgment allows individuals to embrace their identities without shame.

Lines formed quickly as security checks processed the influx of participants, filling the plaza near the ArtsQuest Center. The festival featured performances from comedians, bands, DJs, and singers at the Levitt Pavilion. For families, the air-conditioned Musikfest Cafe hosted a drag queen story hour with Miss Amie, along with activities like line dancing and performances from the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre.

The event also catered to diverse community needs, offering an interfaith prayer area and a sensory space for festival-goers seeking a quieter environment. Over 100 vendors represented various local businesses and organizations, including medical facilities, churches, and anti-trafficking initiatives.

As the political climate grows increasingly contentious, Jewelyn Butron, communication coordinator at Bradbury-Sullivan, underscored the importance of community presence, stating, “It’s important to show up every day, to be ourselves.” She highlighted that the current environment necessitates increased visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community, allowing others to feel safe and supported.

Concerns regarding the political landscape were echoed throughout the festival. Activists have criticized Donald Trump for what they describe as an unprecedented assault on the LGBT community since his return to office. His administration’s anti-transgender policies, including the expulsion of transgender service members from the military, have raised alarm among advocates.

In response to these challenges, Deb Martin, a volunteer with the Parents of Trans Kids community group, noted the growing demand for support systems. The group provides a safe space for parents to discuss their experiences and access resources related to legal and medical concerns. She remarked on the value of visibility, stating, “I thought in the current environment, it’s super valuable for us to be visible if we’re able to, because not everybody can be visible.”

The Lehigh Valley Pride festival stands as a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the community, reinforcing the message that visibility matters now more than ever. As attendees celebrated their identities, they also sent a powerful signal of unity in the face of ongoing challenges.