Columbia’s Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival Celebrates 34 Years of Queer Joy and Community Unity

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Night to Remember at the Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival

This weekend, the vibrant city of Columbia came alive with color, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of community as it celebrated the 34th anniversary of Pride with the Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival. The festivities kicked off with a fabulous parade that lit up downtown Columbia, drawing hundreds of participants, supporters, and curious onlookers.

Queer Joy Takes Center Stage

Dylan Gunnels, the president of Famously Hot South Carolina Pride, shared the essence of the festival, stating, “To celebrate, to experience queer joy. That’s something that we talk about a lot, is queer joy and queer resilience.” Dylan continued to emphasize that this event is a refuge from the often negative narratives surrounding LGBTQ+ communities, saying, “Oftentimes, when you hear stories, they might be in a negative light, or we might be focusing on negative legislation or negative experiences. This is our night.”

The Parade: A Spectacle of Unity

The parade, affectionately titled the “Get Lit” parade, was more than just a procession; it was a festival of unity and celebration. With colorful floats, dazzling attire, and exuberant participants, the atmosphere was electric. “We want to be able to create events and create an organization that is sustainable, that is long-lasting, an organization that’s making a truly, deeply impactful mark on the state,” Gunnels added, underlining the festival’s commitment to ongoing advocacy and community engagement.

A Collective Effort

This year’s event saw the hard work of a dedicated team of just 16 individuals from their non-profit organization, who worked tirelessly to bring this parade to life. Julie Turner, the South Carolina state chapter leader of Free Mom Hugs, expressed her enthusiasm for the festival, saying, “It feels amazing to have an event like this in Columbia because so many of our communities in outlying areas can’t really have pride events. So many of them do travel here. And this is a huge event.”

Beyond the Parade

The fun didn’t stop there. After the parade, attendees enjoyed live music and performances, including a special segment dedicated to RuPaul’s Drag Race. The festival also showcased over 80 LGBTQ+-owned businesses, highlighting the rich tapestry of queer entrepreneurship within South Carolina.

John White from the Midlands Men’s Chorus shared an important reminder, pointing out that, “Especially being in South Carolina, it’s important that people know that there’s a community here. You don’t just have to go to a big city to celebrate Pride. You can do it right here in your backyard, and it’s really nice to see the city come out to support everybody.”

Creating a Culture of Belonging

Dylan Gunnels reiterated the festival’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “Even though this is the event that we do in the Midlands every year, we have a focus on making sure that every single queer person across the state feels like they belong, knows that they are loved, and knows where to get connected.” The festival aims to reach everyone in South Carolina, encouraging connections across the community.

Planning for the Future

The journey to Pride is an ongoing process. Non-profit officials revealed that planning for next year starts almost immediately, and they will convene in November to discuss the calendar for 2025. For many in attendance, this festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of life, love, and community that brings people together to revel in their identities.

As the sun set on Columbia, the laughter and joy of the Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival echoed through the streets—a true testament to the power of community celebrating the beauty of diversity.