LIHU‘E — In a perfect world, the second annual Kaua‘i Pride Parade and Festival would have been held today. But in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the event was put on hold.
The Kaua‘i Pride Committee is working with the county on penciling in a new date in October, but there are still ways to celebrate, including a virtual drag show and film screening this weekend, said Matthew Houck, a member of the Kaua‘i Pride Committee.
When the county began canceling large events in March, the committee began looking into ways to celebrate pride virtually. The committee developed a three-week, 2020 Pride Inside Challenge.
“Even though we cannot gather together in person this June, we can still honor and celebrate our community from the comfort of our own homes,” the website reads. “After all, pride starts inside.”
The first week focused on discovery, sharing resources to learn about topics like gender identities and expressions, sexual orientation, intersectionality and allyship. The second week encouraged the exploration of queer symbols, history and icons.
The plus about these challenges is that they don’t disappear, Houck said, and people can continue to engage with the activities and resources including videos and articles.
“A lot of people have gained a lot of knowledge (from pride inside),” Houck said.
The third week, which is on-going, is celebratory, and has included a Talk Story Takeover on Kaua‘i Community Radio Tuesday, and costume contest Wednesday.
Tonight, the Queens Come Out with a special two-set performance beginning at 7 p.m. on the Kaua‘i Pride Parade Facebook page, including Princess Hanalei, Vescais, Luna, Chastity Maybe, Brandy Licious Summers, Cyenna Summers and Kaiyah Passion Summers. The second set will begin at 8 p.m.
And, finally, on Sunday, June 28, Kumu Hina will log-in from O‘ahu for a screening of “A Place in the Middle” and “The Rogers” at 11 a.m.
A date hasn’t been settled on for a parade, as the county assesses the safety of large gatherings month by month.
“Our community wants this, and our community needs this,” Houck said.
More information can be found at kauaiprideparade.com.
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Sabrina Bodon, public safety and government reporter, can be reached at 245-0441 or sbodon@thegardenisland.com.
How about an “I survived Corona Virus Day”, or a “Kauai Collapse Day”? The way the wacky woke, Socialist sucking, America hating buffoons are trending it won’t be long!