Curiosity Coffee sets up for the S.C. Pride poetry reading. (Photo by Ariel Meriwether/Carolina News and Reporter)
S.C. Pride each year hosts a week-long series of events for the LGBTQ+ community in the state.
Here’s a list of events this week designed to celebrate pride and diversity in Columbia:
Oct. 17: Our Queer Histories – Poetry Readings with Historic Columbia
Historic Columbia and S.C. Pride came together Tuesday night for a poetry session that explored LGBTQ+ history and experiences.
The event featured a reading by professor Ed Madden, an American poet, activist and Director of Women and Gender Studies at the University of South Carolina.
Attendees received a free copy of the Writing Our Queer Histories booklet comprised of Madden’s poetry.
This event was held at Curiosity Coffee Bar from 6-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 18: Pride Night at the Nick
S.C. Pride brings the drag scene to the heart of Columbia with a screening of Paris is Burning, a documentary on New York’s drag scene in the 1980s.
Drag is a type of artistic gender expression that is used as a form of entertainment in the queer community.
A Rocky Horror Picture Show-style drag show will follow the screening. The cult classic film follows a psychedelic journey with wild and unique characters.
This event will take place at the Nickelodeon Theater on Main Street. The screening will begin at 6 p.m. and the drag show will start at 8 p.m.
Oct. 19: Pre-Festival Party at PTs 1109
Pride weekend will begin with a Pre-Festival at PT’s 1109, an entertainment club, at 9 p.m. Thursday.
The night will consist of a Pride Kickoff Party Talent Search at 10 p.m. with performances and a chance to win a cash prize.
Talent show participants must sign up by 9:30 p.m. backstage.
Oct. 20: Get Lit Night Parade & Concert
The annual S.C. Pride Parade festivities start at 6 p.m. with a street party, followed by the parade and concert at the end.
The parade will start at Main and Laurel streets at 7 p.m., ending with a dance party.
S.C. Pride encourages visitors to bring colorful floats, cars and outfits for anyone attending.
Oct. 21: Pride Festival & Aftermath
The pride parade celebrations continue Saturday on Main Street starting at noon.
Oct. 22: Pride Picnic and Church Service & Drag Brunch
A Sunday worship service and Pride Picnic will be held at Reformation Lutheran Church in North Columbia at 10 a.m. Pride President Dylan Gunnels will give the sermon.
