Festivities begin in late May and will continue throughout June
By OLIVIA HOKR — city@theaggie.org
The Davis Phoenix Coalition is a non-profit organization that aims to eliminate intolerance and promote diversity through community engagement, advocacy and education. With a specific focus on social justice issues and creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, the organization hosts an annual Davis Pride with a variety of events throughout June to bring people together and promote unity.
Wendy Weitzel, who does public relations for Davis Pride, shared a press release with a variety of information regarding the upcoming festivities as well as more background detailing the significance of the Davis Phoenix Coalition, Pride Month and Davis Pride.
“June is International LGBTQ+ month,” the press release reads. “Davis Pride events are coordinated by an all-volunteer community formed by the Davis Phoenix Coalition, a nonprofit that works to foster diversity, eliminate intolerance, prevent hate-motivated violence and support LGBTQ+ youths in Davis and surrounding communities.”
The press release continued by describing the origin of the Davis Phoenix Coalition.
“The coalition was founded in the aftermath of a 2013 anti-gay attack on Davis resident ‘Mikey’ Partida,” the press release reads. “Proceeds from Davis Pride events fund the coalition’s anti-racism and anti-bullying campaigns, support to LGBTQ+ youths and their families, and outreach with area police departments, churches and schools.”
This year’s events will all share the theme “Forever Loud and Proud.” The celebration began on May 25 when volunteers painted rainbows across the crosswalks surrounding Davis’ Central Park. The schedule of June events hosted by the Davis Phoenix Coalition is as follows:
- June 5: Sing with Pride at the UC Davis Mondavi Center, 7 p.m.
- June 7: Pride is a Protest rally, Central Park, Downtown Davis, 2 to 3 p.m.
- June 7: The 11th annual Davis PrideFest, a community fair and music festival in Civic Center Park, Sixth and B Streets, from 3 to 8 p.m.
- June 8: The 11th annual Run/Walk for Equality from Central Park, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- June 14: Skate with Pride in Central Park, 7 to 9 p.m.
- June 19: Drink with Pride trivia night at Dunloe Brewing Co., 6 to 9 p.m.
- June 27: Davis Pride Comedy Night presented by Laughs on the Lake at Stonegate Country Club, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Sandré L. Henriquez Nelson has worked with the Davis Phoenix Coalition for 12 years and has been the director of Davis Pride Events throughout this time. For this year’s Pride Month, he shared his anticipation for the addition of a new event to the schedule.
“I am excited about the introduction of Pride is a Protest rally,” Nelson said. “This event is to help return our pride event to the foundation of where pride events started and really focus on bringing the community together under one voice.”
The Pride is a Protest rally precedes the PrideFest celebration on June 7. It is intended to unite people to stand together in solidarity. Toward the end of the rally, participants will march from Central Park to Civic Center Park to kick off the festival.
Nelson emphasized the welcoming environment of Davis Pride. With a lineup of different performers and artists, food vendors, children and teen activities, there is something for everyone.
“We are a great ‘starter’ pride,” Nelson said. “For those individuals that have never attended a pride event or if they have, if they felt larger events were not their space, we are a great space to spend time with the community. We pride ourselves on being family friendly and ensure that we are a focused space for community members to feel welcome and that they have a space to truly be themself.”
Whether you prefer to listen to live music, participate in a run for equality or play trivia while enjoying a drink, Davis Pride offers so many ways to show up for the community and advocate for unity.
Written By: Olivia Hokr — city@theaggie.org
