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The Cook County Pride celebration that culminates on the weekend of June 10th is completely volunteer driven event by the informal Pride Committee made up of 20-30 residents. Approximately 10 of those volunteers work hard year-round to make this event happen while holding down multiple jobs. The core group started planning efforts last September to make sure the event meets its mission. That mission is for all LGBTQIA2S+ residents to feel safe, supported, and celebrated in our community by our community. It’s especially important to the Pride Committee that the youth growing up here experience that support. As many members of the committee grew up in Cook County or other similar rural communities, this event is an opportunity to really encourage our youth while giving them role models of support.
Last year, we saw attendance into the hundreds and hope that continues to grow this year. In an effort to build solidarity and provide a space of celebration, invitations for this year’s event have been extended to Duluth, Ely, the Iron Range, and even Thunder Bay and the Twin Cities. We want the whole region to experience this place as a safe and supportive place for everyone to visit, especially the larger Queer community. That is why there has been significant intentional collaboration with the Grand Portage community as both a separate and sovereign neighbor while still being an essential part of the place we all call home.
The community response after last year’s event has been overwhelmingly positive and hopeful. We raised enough money to fund the event this year and received numerous in-kind donations from local businesses to make it happen. The list of supporting businesses are below and I know it isn’t up to date with all the sponsors. The Pride committee takes this support seriously and wants to ensure a joyful celebration for everyone. And its not just about celebration. There will be plenty of learning opportunities for anyone who wants to learn and grow through the experience. With speakers and talks throughout the month, there are plenty of opportunities for education, too. I believe you saw the list of events for June 10th. But there will be a film night at the ACA on June 9th. One of the films is actually produced by me. Drury Lane, Cook County Higher Ed, and The library are just a few others that have events planned during the month of June.
All are welcome to attend. There will be face painting, speeches by community members spanning three generations, and dancing for everyone. Again and most importantly, we want this community to be a place where LGBTQIA2S+ folks feel safe, supported and celebrated by our community.
All the individuals who
donated to the committee
All the volunteers helping
with Pride events
Bear Witness Media
Brian Kelley – DJ
Consciously Carly
Cook County Higher Education Cook County Whole Foods
Coop
Cook County YMCA
Crawdaddies
Double D’s Catering
Drury Lane Books
Grand Marais Public
Library
Jean and Randy Spry –
Tents
Mayhew Inn
Sawbill Outfitters
Visit Cook County awarded
$1,000 to support the
Pride event
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