Several thousand people gathered at SteelStacks in south Bethlehem on a humid Sunday afternoon to celebrate the annual Lehigh Valley Pride festival. Hosted by the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, the event featured a variety of entertainment, arts and crafts, food and beverages, along with more than 100 vendors.
This year marks the third consecutive time the festival has taken place at SteelStacks, a location that attendees, including Karen Van Gorden and Maureen Gramlich, believe has enhanced the experience. “There are things we can do now that we couldn’t do 15 years ago,” Gramlich explained. “It’s good that other people know they can come out and tell people.”
Visibility was a central theme of the event, as participants underscored the importance of being open about one’s identity. Matt Morella, a student from Muhlenberg College, articulated this sentiment, stating, “When it’s hidden, it implies that it’s something that is not correct… when it’s out in the open, you’re not hiding, it’s the way you live.”
The festival quickly filled up, with long lines forming for a brief security check. Within the first hour, the plaza near the ArtsQuest Center was bustling with activity. Performers at the Levitt Pavilion entertained the crowd with a variety of acts, including comedians, bands, DJs, and singers. Inside the air-conditioned Musikfest Cafe, attendees enjoyed activities for all ages, such as a drag queen story hour led by Miss Amie, performances from the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, and line dancing sessions with Apple Ranch Line Dance.
A designated interfaith prayer area and a sensory space were available on the second floor, catering to diverse needs. Vendors represented numerous local businesses and organizations, including medical facilities, churches, and anti-trafficking groups.
Jewelyn Butron, communications coordinator at Bradbury-Sullivan, highlighted the significance of community participation amid current political challenges. “It’s important to show up every day to be ourselves,” Butron noted. “With the climate of the world and our government, it’s not the best time. Yet, it is the best time because we need to show that we exist.”
Concerns about the political climate were echoed by attendees who voiced their apprehension regarding recent actions taken by the U.S. government. According to the Associated Press, since returning to office, Donald Trump has faced criticism for his administration’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues, including measures that affect transgender service members.
Deb Martin, a volunteer with the Parents of Trans Kids community group at Bradbury-Sullivan, emphasized the increasing need for support networks in today’s environment. The group provides a safe space for parents to connect and share resources related to legal and medical issues. “In the current climate, it’s super valuable for us to be visible,” Martin said, reflecting on the group’s participation in the festival.
This year’s Lehigh Valley Pride festival served as a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility and community support for the LGBTQIA+ community, reinforcing a message of resilience and openness in the face of ongoing challenges.
