Triangle Foundation merged with Michigan Equality to form Equality Michigan in 2012, Motor City Pride relocated to Hart Plaza in Detroit and expanded to two days with the return of a parade to the festival lineup of events. In 1990, the event’s name was officially changed to PrideFest, and was relocated to the Royal Oak campus of Oakland Community College.įrom 2009 to 2017, Motor City Pride was headed up by a core group of Triangle Foundation volunteers that formed the Motor City Pride Planning Committee. That year the Pride Festival took place on the Dearborn Campus of the University of Michigan in the gymnasium. It began the tradition of being held on the first Sunday of June. and sponsored by the Detroit Area Gay/Lesbian Council (DAGLC). Metropolitan Detroit was left without a LGBT march, rally and party, so during this same year, the first official Gay and Lesbian Pride Festival was founded and chaired by Frank Colasonti, Jr. In 1989, the Gay and Lesbian civil rights march was moved to the more central location of Lansing to attract statewide participation and political awareness as well as to celebrate the 20th anniversary of New York City’s Stonewall Riots, the beginning of the modern day movement of equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender citizens. A party took place at the McGregor Center on the campus of Wayne State University following the rally, organized by a small number of dedicated Gay and Lesbian groups and volunteers. Now, Gay and Lesbian Pride events are planned annually each June throughout North America to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion and to continue the GLBT community struggle for equality.įrom 1986-1988, the civil rights march took place down Woodward Avenue followed by a rally at Kennedy Square. These protests came to be known as the Stonewall Rebellion, with the uprising serving as the catalyst for the modern political movement for Gay and Lesbian liberation. Word spread quickly about the confrontation and outraged crowds gathered on subsequent nights to protest the mistreatment historically inflicted on the Gay community.
The crowd inside and outside of the bar erupted into violent resistance against the officers. On this historic night, Lesbians, Gay men and Drag Queens came together to fight back against police harassment for the first time. Fearful Gay patrons were often physically forced out of their gathering places, sometimes beaten, and arrested, with no just cause just for simply congregating. Raids on Gay establishments, however, were common at the time and were conducted regularly with little or no resistance. Liquid medications are allowed, but they may take a few extra minutes during the screening process.Ĭoolers, Hydration packs such as Camelbaks, empty water bottles are allowedĭrones or remote controlled aircraft, cars or toys.įlyers, samples, giveaways or promotional items, unless they are from a registered exhibitor. Any items that security determines may have an adverse effect on the event.īottles of water will be on sale at market prices at the festival.
These items are not allowed to be brought into the festival:įirearms, knives, Tasers, clubs, pepper spray, hazardous chemicals, explosives or incendiary devices of any kind. If possible we recommend leaving backpacks at home, or if you need one, to bring a small or clear bag to speed up the security lines. Security will check bags and wand all individuals coming into the festival.