Plans are underway for Norman’s first LGBTQ Pride celebration in 2018 – with a parade to follow the party. Norman Pride founder Andrew Coulter said he and his committee are planning a family zone, musical acts, drag performances, food trucks and street vendors, plus a parade the following day on Main Street.
The idea came about following the LGBTQ nights held at Louie’s Grill and Bar on the University of Oklahoma’s Campus Corner.
“I saw the amount of attention it was drawing, and started to receive interest from other bars that also wanted to host drag shows,” says Coulter. “It was close to Halloween, and I wasn’t making much progress, so I planned the first meeting (for this event) and some amazing people showed up to help me.”
Norman Pride is an LGBTQ group that has been meeting regularly for almost a year.
“Every event that I keep throwing, different people show up, and Norman keeps on surprising me with just being amazing and supportive,” Coulter adds. “I don’t feel like I created a movement in Norman. I feel like Norman helped take an idea and bring it to life.”
The group is working to get nonprofit status and has teamed with Haus Down Productions for the festival. Organizers are looking for ideas for family-friendly events for underage LGBTQ residents.
T-shirts have been designed for Norman Pride, and the theme is “Norman Pride – No Problem."
Coulter said the group is looking for “everyone and anyone” to come to future meetings and share ideas and thoughts about the events that can be organized to raise money for Norman Pride.
The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Louie’s in Norman. More information can be found on their Facebook page.
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