The annual Pride Month celebration in Edmonds will offer a variety of activities and events to support and learn about local queer communities and history. These include pub gatherings, writing workshops, Dungeons & Dragon campaigns and film screenings.
– Pride Picnic at Hickman Park, Sunday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kick off Pride Month at this casual pride-themed picnic. Wear your favorite Pride-themed clothes and bring a favorite dish to share.
– Pride Trivia at Brigid’s Bottleshop, Monday, June 2, 6:30-9 p.m. Join drag king host extraordinaire Pam Jobb for this fun-filled event. Brigid’s will donate 10% of the night’s profits to Edmonds Pride, and no buy-in is required to participate. All ages welcome.
– Writing Rainbow, Wednesday, June 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (online/Zoom). Join Writing Rainbow, a writer’s group for LGBTQIA2S+ folks and allies — hosted by Under the Rainbow — for an evening of works-in-progress sharing and writing support. Visit undertherainbowedmonds.org for the Zoom link.
– Out Loud! LGBTQIA2S+ Storytelling Concert, Monday, June 9, 6-7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Under the Rainbow, the event will feature several queer storytellers: Manny Lopez, Joselito Castillo and Chris Spengler.
– Pride Film Extravaganza at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, Friday, June 20, doors open at 6 p.m. Movie starts at 7 p.m. A movie night at the Edmonds Center for the Arts. Sponsored by Edmonds Pride and hosted by Pam Jobb. The film, Pride (2014), is an inspiring true story about a group of lesbian and gay activists who joined forces to support British miners during a 1984 strike.
Tabling and socializing with local community members and partner organizations will happen in the lobby from 6-7 p.m. RSVP here.
– Queer Zine-making workshop at the Edmonds Library, Saturday June 21, 1-3 p.m. Learn about the ins and outs of storytelling through this unique medium that blends visuals and the written word. This event is hosted by Under the Rainbow in collaboration with RJ Jordan of Push/Pull Underground Art and Comix. RSVP to undertherainbowedmonds@
– Dungeons and Dragons Pride Night (ages 10 and up) at the Edmonds Library, Monday, June 23, 5:30-7 p.m. Join the Queer Adventurer’s Guild for a fun-filled gaming night. Led by Game Mentors and featuring a series of one-shot Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, board games and more. No experience necessary. To reserve your spot, send an email to undertherainbowedmonds@
– Edmonds Pride Festival at the Edmonds Civic Center Playfield, Saturday, June 28, 2-6 p.m. Edmonds Pride’s cornerstone event will be an afternoon of joy, connection and celebration for all ages. Hosted by the newly-formed Edmonds Pride nonprofit and with Maya Men Saab as emcee, the festival will feature live music (including Rainbow City Performing Arts Purple Passion Jazz Combo and Bat Box), storytellers (including Aunt Mama and Juno Men), rock painting and a bustling market featuring local vendors, food trucks and LGBTQIA2S+ community groups.
If you have any questions or would like to get involved with Edmonds Pride, email at info@edmondspride.net or visit edmondspride.net.
A bit of the beginning of the press release was trimmed off, so here is what it said:
Building off the vibrant and joyful 2024 Pride in Downtown Edmonds, the newly-founded Edmonds Pride 501(c)(3) Nonprofit has organized a treasure trove of family-friendly events for Pride 2025! Founded at the end of 2024, and created with the support of the City of Edmonds, Edmonds Pride is a volunteer-run nonprofit charged with organizing the city’s annual Pride festivities.
Its mission: to host events, create leadership opportunities, and provide education that supports, strengthens, and connects the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Edmonds, Washington. The organization focuses on the priorities of our local communities and has developed a particularly Edmonds kind of Pride. The events it offers (in June and throughout the year) are accessible, family-friendly, arts-focused, and casual, intended to bring LGBTQIA2S+ youth, adults, elders, families, creatives, and allies in Edmonds and South Snohomish County together in community.
Supporting queer voices, LGBTQIA2S+ communities, and defending their collective and individual rights has never been more necessary, and the free events organized by Edmonds Pride for the month of June offer an array of ways to celebrate, find and provide support and community, and learn about local queer communities and queer history. From one-shot D&D campaigns, picnics, pub gatherings, writing workshops, and film screenings, there’s truly something for everyone!
Rowan Soiset, Director
Thank you for putting together so many events! I know from experience that organizing even one event is a ton of work, so the fact that Edmonds Pride is offering so many options in June and throughout the year really speaks to how important out local LGBTQIA2S+ community is to your organization. Looking forward to attending at least a couple of these (keep an eye out for our rainbow-winged corgi at the Pride Festival on the 28th).
Pride MONTH??? What happened to days?? I still think promoting any ONE SEXUAL preference is a mistake.
Joy, “promoting” is really “educating”; “sexual preference” is really “sexual orientation.” Any person’s “sexual orientation” is as normal to him/her as the color of his/her skin, hair or eyes; the range of his/her singing voice; the size of his/her shoes; etc. It’s time society recognized all people and their “differences from ‘my’ norm” as regular people with different characteristics. With that said, we must help support those whose “normal” characteristics are not the same as most individuals, and thus they receive negative discrimination. We are one people with different “norms.” Let’s accept each other, and let’s make a special effort to accept those who might not share our own “norms.”
Closing comments now. Thanks all. Teresa
Joy, I agree with you that it is a mistake to “promote” one sexuality. It is also a mistake that pride month has anything to do with that. I suggest reading the actual article and educate yourself about what pride is and is not. The rest of us will be off enjoying a vibrant and diverse Edmonds. You are, of course, welcome to join.
Thank you, Rowan for adding the educational and informative bits into the comments.
Chris, thank you for your thoughtful comments. Hopefully eventually there will be a wider understanding that Pride has nothing to do with preferences.
Rowan, Thank you so much for putting this wide-range of Pride activities in MEN so people will know all the possibilities coming up. Clearly you and your group have been working long hours to put together such a myriad of opportunities. There are projects and events to involve people of all ages and preferences. I look forward to participating.
Gary, if it has nothing to do with sex preferences, why not just have a Edmonds Celebration?
I have been to some of Gay Pride events which they have been holding (not Edmonds) but Capitol Hill for years. If they had A event maybe…but a MONTH???? Why? To attract Gays or queer’s to Edmonds?what? Filling restaurants? I’m baffled?? Rowen, states the goal is to defend their collective and individual rights, which has never been more necessary, and the free events are free, organized by Edmonds Pride. Defend their rights from whom?
Joy, do they have news where you are? If not, here is how you can find the news. 1. Open Google. 2. Type in “gay rights removed.” 3. Click on articles about this topic. 4. Read the articles.
Heaven forbid Edmonds businesses get some extra foot traffic… I don’t know why people are against pride month except, “It’s not about ME!!” If you don’t like it, don’t participate, it’s that simple.
Who says anyone is against it? I’m just saying I question a month. Why is it in Edmonds now it seems, especially here, you can’t even ask questions? You used to be able without getting attacked by whom??
Joy, there is an urgent need to defend the rights of this community as there is a powerful, well-funded movement and effort at the federal and state level targeting the right for certain people to EXIST. It is lovely that you have the privilege of not being affected by this news, but please know that it is top of mind for many of your neighbors who are concerned about their families and friends facing these threats. Having events throughout the month and thru THE YEAR is a great way to make sure the events are accessible to different audiences with different availability & interests, looking for unique way to connect with a supportive community in a meaningful way. Edmonds is a safer place to host these events versus some of our neighboring cities where peaceful, community events are often met with threats of violence by people who want to exterminate anyone that is different or nonconforming. You are invited to join any of the events that feel safe and fun for you, or stay just stay home & celebrate your vintage choices, but please consider yielding any further comments about when and where & how often others can celebrate how often others can celebrate whatever they want. I’m sure you can easily find some community of people who share your beliefs. Y’all should go get coffee at red twig &commiserate
What are the names of these people you think are coming after Gays? I’m very confused as I have never heard of any powerful, well-funded movement and effort at the federal and state level targeting the right for certain people to EXIST. Wouldn’t that fall under a hate crime? Why no arrests? So how does a MONTH of pride help?
Joy, It is encouraging to see that you are now curious and interested in ways to learn more about threats facing your non-conforming neighbors. One of the best ways for you to get the answers you seek is to identify a pride month event that is tailored to your needs. I recommend reading the article you are commenting on, as well as Rowan’s added informative context that was excluded from the posting, and see if any of those might fit your query (or “queery” haha). Luckily, it’s not all confined to just one day so you have options. Hope that helps. ENJOY!
Joy, you might like this kind of month:
NBC News reports:
More than two dozen Ohio lawmakers are supporting a bill that would designate the weeks between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day “Natural Family Month.”
Though the bill, introduced by Republican state Reps. Josh Williams and Beth Lear [photo], doesn’t define “natural family” in its text, critics say it is intended to exclude LGBTQ families and promote marriage and childrearing between heterosexual, monogamous couples only.
Nathaniel, I’m entitled to ask questions. Your arrogance precedes you. Or is it in your world I’m not?
Please … no Pride flags on government buildings … let’s avoid last year’s fiasco. Thank you.
Joy, thank goodness we can choose to or not to, participate in Edmonds activities.
June is a great month to explore Washington landmarks, resort and restaurants. The city doesn’t care, if residents support a month of pride or not. The only thing citizens can do is to boycott what they don’t support.
Facts:
1. Edmonds Pride this year is sponsored by an independent non-profit, not the City.
2. Lots of queer folks live in Edmonds and more move here all the time. All ages, races, some with kiddos, some without. Some of us are churchgoers, others are not. Get used to it.
3. Being queer is not a preference. We’re born this way. We are your neighbors, your teachers, your city workers, your health care providers. We’re everywhere and you probably cross paths with us every day without knowing it.
4. Rowan Soiset is an exceptional community leader and organizer and an asset to our community. Thank you, Rowan, for your hard work.
5. For those concerned that there is a month to celebrate Pride, note that there are 11 months to celebrate folks who are not queer and to promote that orientation. We patiently and respectfully tolerate the months where hetero/straight folks are celebrated and promoted. Please respect our 30 days each year.
Peace out and enjoy the summer.
Thanks Kim. Well written comments. And I am a BIG FAN of Rowan Soiset. They make our community a better place for all.
This was not a piece that people need to explain the queer movement to me. I was just wondering why a month and not a special 1-2 day event?
Whatever happened to the concepts of “live and let live” and, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you?” (The very philosophy of Christ). I mean unless someone is telling you, you have to attend Pride events or you can’t attend Pride events where’s the beef about any of this. Last time I checked, this is still America. You know, land of the free. I probably won’t be attending any Pride events but I celebrate the fact that those who want to can.
In the United States you can identity as who or what you want. I identify as a daughter of the king, our Heavenly Father. If you are a person of faith and try to walk in Jesus’ footsteps and the written word we are told to love our neighbors. Loving our neighbors does not mean that we take part in something that is against our beliefs. This does not mean I am judging others, it means I am following my beliefs, which I also have a right to in the United States. If the community wishes to celebrate a month of civil rights why not call it civil rights month and let all celebrate? I appreciate my civil rights and yours but feel the month of celebrating ones personal freedom should apply to all citizens not only one group.
Dee, pride month is not a celebration of “a month of civil rights” which is why it is not called that. Please consider re-reading the article you are commenting on, where they plainly explain what pride is within the FIRST SENTENCE. If you are interested in an event that celebrates civil rights, you might consider forming your own non profit and applying for the permits to host such an event. Best wishes.
Good luck all
Dee, I would say that if, “something is against our beliefs,” there has to be an element of judging others in there somewhere. “I don’t believe in what you are doing therefor I can’t support or condone it, “is a statement that you judge what they are or what they are doing as being wrong in someway. We all have a right to do that as long as we don’t physically harm other people, which is a good thing. Unless you think you are somehow being personally harmed by what Pride Month participants are doing or feel that “the City” is making you support something you don’t support, I can’t see any rhyme nor reason to your complaining about what you assume they are doing or what they are about. I re-read the article and as far as I can tell all these events are privately sponsored and not officially endorsed or discouraged (for that matter) by any officials of Edmonds city government and that seems like just how it should be to me. I’m not planning to attend any of these functions but I’m happy that the folks who do plan to attend are free to and welcome to have them in Edmonds.
Thanks for this Clinton, well said.
Clint you can make it personal, but it’s not for me it’s again what my faith teaches. The same faith that teaches millions in Washington State. I am unable to throw stones, only Jesus can judge. The lord clearly discusses the road to heaven and I don’t see worship of sexuality, self, identity in the good book. The city and businesses of Edmonds should represent all people and could through review with their citizens. You have your opinion and I have voiced mine. I will not be attending any festivals in Edmonds during the month of June. May God bless Edmonds and guide Edmonds
to bring peace and unity.
Pride is not “worship of sexuality.” It is a celebration of survival in the face of prejudice; it is a community supporting each other in the face of hostility; and it is a celebration of of the achievement of stability, families and safety – relative safety (for violence and anti-LGBT legislation continue), a relative safety achieved despite bigotry and hatred, over a generation of time.
As for faith, we all have the right to our own; in my case the Episcopal Church welcomed me and my beloved partner with open arms, and gave much comfort when he was killed in a traffic accident. Faiths differ.
Dee, it’s your faith that’s making this personal, not me. Your faith, is just that, “your own faith,” and nothing can be more personal than that. The thing is, lots of people, who celebrate Pride, also have a personal faith and, personally, I choose to respect that; not tell them that they are wrong or suggest that they should be boycotted or shunned for some reason.
I am not telling anyone they are wrong. Jesus words tell people how they should live and not live. Every church should welcome all people, we all are sinners. All we can do is try to walk in Jesus’s path set by his words, set in history in the Bible. We can celebrate human struggle but to celebrate a month of a lifestyle, sexual orientation or identity in Edmonds should be voted on by all citizens. My suggestion to boycott the City in June,
is a choice of the Citizens who don’t feel called to celebrate PRIDE. This should bother no one and if it does, why? We all get to make our choices, where we dine, shop, worship or Send our children to school. I will celebrate our country, our men and woman who died for this great country and Jesus Christ who died for all sinners.
Just to clarify that these events are NOT sponsored by the city. They are sponsored and funded by an independent nonprofit organization.
Wow folks. I have no problem with any of the events in June. I hope they are all fun filled and that they don’t encourage a demonstration type behavior. I personally found the Hand Off event because of the speeches and the ugly Hitler crap to be disturbing. I just hope everyone has a good time. I do agree that if other citizens want to organize for their wants and likes they should do that too. I think Boycotting Edmonds in its time of financial need isn’t a good idea either. But it’s a free country. Frankly there are plenty of other things going on in our city that disturb me, but the Pride month and the celebrations is NOT one of them. Not even close. I am a Christian woman who is Heterosexual and a Centrist. HA. I accept just about everyone. I am not supposed to judge and I don’t not with these types of issues. Just overspending, over building and resistance by many to share our burdens here in this city. I don’t see any LGBTQIA2S individuals suggesting they don’t want building in their areas?? I suggest just being nice to everyone and go to an event in June. All people should take advantage of gatherings of all kinds to talk to one another ask questions and get answers. Thats my gig.
iIf you look at the founder of the event, you can follow the trail to Edmonds Chambers of commerce, Downtown Edmonds Allowiance and Edmonds News were tagged by the Director of the Pride event. The City does decide permits for events and Edmonds businesses decide to support a cause or not. The CITY Library decides, who holds events in their space. Mayor Rosen gave the Director Rowan Soiset an award last year and declared June Pride month. Is the Mayor Supporting Pride Month? Are Downtown Businesses supporting Pride month or are they not? Why are you trying to separate the City of Edmonds from this decision. Is this a Title Nine infringement ?
My point was simply related to funding. — Teresa Wippel, Publisher