News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Upper Cumberland Pride celebrating its tenth anniversary this Saturday with its Upper Cumberland Pride festival at Dogwood Park.
President Billy George said that UC Pride is an organization that works to connect LGBTQ+ youth with resources or community links they might need. He said that they are excited to celebrate this year’s theme, “True Colors, True You.”
“Celebration is always a good thing, but I think for myself Pride is an emboldening of self-awareness,” George said. “I think when individuals are able to be their true, authentic selves, it makes their life, their mindset so much better. They can be authentically them.”
George said that festivities will include music, food trucks, and activities for all ages, including face painting, karaoke, and Drag Queen Story Hour. He said that the free event begins at 11 a.m. and that all are welcome to attend.
George said that the organization began as a way to create a space of community for individuals who identify with and are allies of the LGBTQ+ community. He said that the mission is to avail resources and be a bridge.
“From the community of LGBTQ+ who have no idea where to go or who to turn to,” Geroge said. “Whether it is through counselors, information, health professionals. We got a lot of messages asking for inclusive health professionals that they can talk to. Whether it is about getting on medication for Prep or maybe they’re in the process of transitioning or maybe they’re looking for a counselor that is more accessible to talk about things because they can’t talk to their own parents.”
George said that they want to be more visible in the community and that they want to be more active throughout the year. He said that they want to be present in a variety of ways, be it through drag shows at the Backdoor Playhouse or through fundraising events, because this community is here and it should be celebrated.
George said that if you would like to get involved with the organization, you can reach out via the website at ucpride.org or via the group’s various social media.
