Love won once again in Geauga County, with Geauga Pride drawing just over 500 attendees to Chardon Square June 15.
Love won once again in Geauga County, with Geauga Pride drawing just over 500 attendees to Chardon Square June 15.
The festival, now in its third year, has grown substantially since its inception, said event organizers.
“We have about double the amount of vendors this year, we have new food trucks that are joining us, we have new kid activities like chalk and painting and crafts,” co-organizer Meg Carver said in an interview June 12.
Fellow organizer Mary Briggs took a moment during the festival’s opening statements to reflect on the long fight for equality and urged attendees to vote and be politically active.
“The Fourteenth Amendment, equal justice under the law, is what gives us our ability to be here, the ability to marry and I oppose the attacks on the LGBTQ community in government, in schools, banning books. And it’s (up to) us to speak out and be active besides having a wonderful day in Geauga County,” she told the crowd.
The event saw live music from Brave and Crazy, as well as two drag shows. Familiar faces took to the stage with returning queens Empress Dupree, Daphne Dupree and Monica Mod, as well as a fresh face in Bia Jewel.
In addition to performance and food, the event sported a raffle, free “mom hugs,” booths dedicated to plants, LGBTQ+ books and a number of churches.
“This year, we have churches who are signing on to be sponsors,” Carver said. “And more churches getting involved to be part of the event instead of standing up against it. So, I think it’s been a really awesome turn to see the community really rally behind these events and show that Geauga County is an inclusive place.”
The pride event is put on by the Community Church of Chesterland. Old South Church of Kirtland was a sponsor and the East Shore Unitarian Church was one of several churches with a booth. Celebration Lutheran Church handed out rainbow bracelets inscribed with Psalm 139:14.
“By the time I was able to contribute and influence events in the church, a pride event was the first thing I wanted to do because it was a gap that I saw in the community, and I saw the dichotomy of people who didn’t think Geauga was an inclusive place, and then all the people I know and love who were inclusive and loving,” Carver recounted.
This year, like every year, saw a small group of religious protestors present, as well.
As the first drag show began, attendees carrying colorful flags, fans and umbrellas formed a barrier between them and the rest of the audience, blocking them from view.
The rainbow rampart drew Empress Dupree’s curiosity, sparking cheers from the crowd as she approached the group.
“I love where you’re standing right there, it’s gorgeous,” she told festival attendees in the line. “Let me read this sign back here. This says ‘June belongs to Jesus.’ What do we think about that?”
She turned her mic to the audience, who booed.
“That is not love!” yelled one attendee. “I am perfectly made!”
The first drag show of the day also featured a lip sync battle to Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way” between two attendees, Abs and Elena, who wished to go by their first names.
“It felt amazing. I was terrified, but also super excited, and my adrenaline was pumping,” Elena said of the battle, which ended in a draw.
Abs took to the performance like a fish to water.
“It was kind of natural to just be up there performing and showing the world, showing the bigots in the back, that there’s nothing wrong with me,” they said.
Despite having to improvise choreography on the spot, Elena said she felt no fear.
“I just went for it. I felt Lady Gaga in me,” she said.
Abs, despite their confidence, found the improvisation somewhat intimidating.
“I was just sort of giving it all of the energy and vibes that I want everyone to feel all the time living their daily lives,” they said.
The festival saw a variety of people enjoying their day out in the sun.
“I think it’s important to be seen, especially since there’s always protesters every year,” said attendee Andrew Caruso, who is on the board for LGBTQ+ Allies Lake County.
Caruso noted he comes every year in solidarity.
People like August Daugherty also felt the importance of the event.
“I graduated from high school in ‘22 as one of the first people to walk at graduation with my name being called as a trans person. I wore the men’s graduation robes. I was the first to do that. I wore the right uniform for my extracurriculars,” he recounted, calling it refreshing to see so many people out and about.
Carver noted she had heard of people returning for the first time in decades, as they finally felt welcome.
“It really has been very positive for people to see that it can happen at home, too, and that they don’t have to drive to the city for (pride),” she said.
Dylan Grieb, who has attended previous years, said he was surprised Geauga started its pride events.
“I (previously) didn’t even know we had a pride because I figured in this town? Never,” he said. “But, I’m so glad that we have a community here and it sucks that people want to come here and bring it down.”
Grieb’s thoughts on the protesters: “They know they’re fighting a losing battle.”
