What will the following locations all have in common the third weekend in June:   MSU Student Union Building (SUB), The Bozeman Public Library, Downtown Bozeman (Main Street), and the Holiday Inn Bozeman? They are all venues for the , June 15-17. The mission of the   Montana Pride Celebration is to grow and develop the bonds and relationships of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) Community.   Montana Pride Network makes an effort to put together a state wide attended event in one of the larger communities in the state. Last year Montana Pride 2011 was also in Bozeman seeing over 1400 in attendance (2010’s MT Pride Celebration was in Kalispell). This year organizers are expecting approximately 3000 LGBT individuals to attend the 2012 event. MT Pride Network’s goal is to always have a community-mindful event, that’s relevant to the location, and always includes elements that are family-inclusive.

According To Tom Marsh, Planning Director for 2012 Montana Pride: “We don’t think big-city Pride is the way to have fun in Bozeman… we love to include straight-allies, and traveling friends. Our downtown parade and rally on Saturday of Pride Weekend had a gamut of the public last year… strollers to stilettos… we keep our evening events in the adult spectrum (18+), but this year we’re having evening activities in the Rec Center of the SUB for under 18 youth and families, hosted by PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and Pride. We’re even getting childcare together for parents that could use some free time. We’re really thinking about the whole LGBT & Allied Community as much as possible.”

The Celebration begins Friday, June 15 at the MSU SUB with registration; tickets & wristbands; and booths & information from 1:00 to 4 pm (and will remain open until 10 pm). Kickoff and Welcome is at 7 pm Friday, also at the MSU SUB. The rest of the schedule for the Montana Pride Weekend can be viewed online, and includes: workshops, presentations, welcome parties/happy hours downtown, live music and performers, drag shows, after parties & dances with live DJs and giveaways, morning hikes, a parade, an equality rally, an interfaith service, and a farewell brunch. Alcohol free karaoke, pizza and bowling, along with more giveaways for the under 18 youth and families are also part of the weekend activities.

Check out the website www.montanapride.org and/or Facebook page for core statements, pictures and a short video from previous celebrations. There you will find ticket prices, parade entry, sponsors and vendor information. Prices are reasonable, for example a weekend pass is $30 + a small fee. Tickets for some of the individual activities and shows can also be purchased separately.

Go to:
Website:   www.montanapride.org
Facebook:   search Facebook for: Montana Pride Celebration
Tweet about it on Twitter at:   https://twitter.com/#!/MTPride2012
More contact information for the 2012 Montana Pride Celebration:
e-mail:   info@montanapride.org
Address:   105 W Main Suite 2C, Bozeman, MT 59715

Tammy Walker is a Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist and a Norwex Consultant. Tammy believes strongly in listening to loud music while cleaning. She thinks cleaning can be relaxing and can give a sense of accomplishment. Tammy can be reached at ottamwalker@msn.com