If you’re wanting to find ways to celebrate or give back this Pride Month here in Memphis, thankfully this city has plenty of opportunities to do so. Between all of the events this month alone and the many organizations that can use donations and volunteers, you’ll certainly find something to do this June! Here are some ways to show your LGBTQIA+ pride, and though the A does not stand for Ally, it’s always important for the allies to show up this month for their queer friends!
Photo Credit: Mid-South Pride
Upcoming Events
Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement at MoSH
Opening on June 4th and running until late September, you can visit the traveling exhibit at the Memphis Museum of Science and History that explores the Stonewall Inn’s illustrious history and the June 1969 police raid. Created by the Newseum in Washington, D.C you can view images and artifacts from the gay rights movement for yourself.
Memphis Proud: The Resilience of a Southern LGBTQ+ Community at MoSH
In this companion exhibit to Rise Up, you can further examine the South’s LGBTQ+ history and roots, through spotlights of community events, local leaders, and stories of activists within the space. This also opens on June 4th and runs until September 26th.
Movie Night: Pride Edition at The Haven
Catch Victor/Victoria for movie night on June 10th. There will be food trucks and free popcorn, so make a night of it and bring your friends! Oh, and did we mention it’s free? Be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time!
Tri-State Black Pride
From June 16th through the 19th, you can stop at the DoubleTree in East Memphis for a simultaneous Pride Month and Juneteenth event. With educational sessions, keynote speakers, and even live entertainment shows (including drag and comedy), the weekend will be full of activities. Purchase your tickets at Eventbrite now.
Pride Musical Festival
At Overton Shell Park on June 19th, attend the 2nd Annual Pride Musical Festival presented by Tri-State Black Pride. Check out their full lineup of artists and acts, and purchase your tickets for as little as $10.
Drag & A Musical at Dru’s Place
For an interactive show of Chicago, head over to Dru’s Place on June 24th! They’ll be selling concessions and participation bags so be sure to grab your tickets in advance for this fun night out. Tickets start at $20 and sponsorship opportunities are available.
A Night Out With OUTMemphis: Queer Prom
Join OUTMemphis at the Memphis Botanic Garden on June 25th from 7:30 to 10:30 PM for a prom night like no other! This 21 and over event will have dancing and drinking, all for a good cause. Grab your best dancing shoes and your favorite person for this amazing night that supports LGBTQ+ Memphians.
Atomic Rose – Weekly Events
One of Memphis’ hottest (and most inclusive) nightclubs, the Atomic Rose has weekly events all June each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Check out their weekly itinerary and keep in mind that Fridays and Saturdays are for 21 and over, while on Sundays they allow for all ages!
Photo Credit: Mid-South Pride
Donate/Volunteer
OUTMemphis
This organization works on empowering, connecting, educating, and advocating for the Midsouth’s LGBTQ+ community. They provide services and events for all ages of the community, as well as a crisis hotline. You can donate or volunteer your time.
Choices – Memphis Center for Reproductive Health
Choices is an orgainzation with sexual and reproductive services that are LGBTQ-friendly. They also offer medical care and counseling, and you can donate, volunteer, or support through Amazon Smile and Bonfire.
The Haven
The Haven offers free and confidential testing for HIV and Hepatitis C, community education and empowerment, and free PrEP and PEP Prescriptions in order to provide support and well-being services in Memphis. You can donate or volunteer through their contact form.
Friends for Life
Friends for Life works to prevent the spread of HIV and help those affected by HIV/AIDS through a holistic, client-centered approach and a variety of services. You can donate, volunteer, or start your own fundraiser with them.
Relationships Unleashed
Relationships Unleashed aims to fight inequality through comprehensive programming for the black LGBTQ community. You can donate or support them by shopping through their Amazon Smile link.
Planned Parenthood
Photo Credit: Mid-South Pride
Planned Parenthood offers high-quality, affordable healthcare and is the nation’s largest provider of sex education. Their services are available to anyone, regardless of insurance. You can donate, volunteer, or support in other ways.
Friends of George’s Theatre Company
This theatre company has worked toward bringing live shows and entertainment, while also raising funds for local LGBTQ+ charities and organizations. You can donate and see their upcoming events to support their shows.
Be Loud and Proud
Pride Month is more than waving rainbow flags and attending parades. It’s about understanding the history and culture surrounding it, while also advocating for equality. How do you plan on making Memphis a more LGBTQ+-friendly community this month?
You might also be interested in: Black Memphis LGBTQ Voices You Must Know
