COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Celebration of Community and Joy
This past weekend, Columbia, South Carolina, transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration as it kicked off the Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival, honoring its 34th glorious year of Pride. The weekend festivities began with a lively parade that wound its way through the heart of downtown Columbia, bringing together individuals with shared joys and pride in their identities.
Creating Queer Joy
Dylan Gunnels, the president of Famously Hot South Carolina Pride, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the event when he said, “To celebrate, to experience queer joy. That’s something that we talk about a lot, is queer joy and queer resilience.” This celebration wasn’t just a party; it was a reminder to focus on the positive experiences and resilience found within the LGBTQ+ community, especially in a landscape that might often highlight challenges and negative narratives.
Themed “Get Lit,” the parade featured hundreds of enthusiastic participants who were eager to celebrate. Whether they were involved in decorating the floats, donning their most colorful attire, or simply cheering from the sidelines, the atmosphere was filled with joy and camaraderie. Gunnels emphasized the importance of creating events that will have a lasting impact on South Carolina, saying, “It is hard, it is tiring, and it is incredibly worth it, and we love every minute.”
A Team Effort
This year’s festivities relied on the dedicated efforts of a team consisting of only 16 people. Planning such a grand event certainly isn’t easy, but they’ve made it their mission to ensure this celebration goes off without a hitch. The sense of community among participants was palpable, as many groups eagerly came together to support the event.
Julie Turner, the South Carolina state chapter leader for Free Mom Hugs, shared her excitement, stating, “It feels amazing to have an event like this in Columbia.” Many smaller communities surrounding the city often lack the resources to hold their own Pride celebrations, making this festival a key destination for countless folks across the state.
Local Pride and Inclusion
Musician John White, a member of the Midlands Men’s Chorus, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of recognition and representation in smaller towns. “Especially being in South Carolina, it’s important that people know there’s a community here,” he noted. Pride isn’t limited to big cities; it is alive and thriving right at home in the Midlands.
Evening Festivities
The parade commenced at sunset, traveling down the picturesque Laurel Street. The evening was filled with live music, an exciting hour featuring performers from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and a whole array of more than 80 LGBTQ+-owned businesses setting up shop. The atmosphere was electric, with laughter, love, and acceptance surrounding everyone who attended.
As Gunnels pointed out, the festival aims to connect with every single queer person throughout South Carolina, reassuring them that they belong and are loved. “That’s our hope is to do that through all of the other organizations that already exist,” he remarked, emphasizing the collaborative spirit within the community.
Looking Ahead
Planning for such a remarkable event doesn’t happen overnight. Non-profit officials revealed that preparations actually take place all year round. With discussions set to begin this coming November for the 2025 calendar, the enthusiasm and dedication of the team are unwavering.
All in all, the Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival is a shining example of community, resilience, and pure joy. This weekend’s festivities offered a beautiful reminder of the power of coming together to celebrate diversity and establish connections that resonate far beyond a single parade.
