COLUMBIA, S.C. — June 1 is the beginning of Pride Month nationwide. In South Carolina, there are a number of events scheduled across the state that are meant for folks to be able to come together and celebrate the diversity within the LGBTQ community.
Pride recognition events -- parades, marches, month-long festivals -- began in reaction to the New York City Police Department's raid of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in NYC's Greenwich Village, on June 28, 1969. That day marked the first time that people in the gay community fought back against perceived persecution and became the start of the gay rights movement in the United States. The first pride marches were held simultaneously in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles on June 28, 1970, the first anniversary of Stonewall.
In South Carolina, the SC Pride Movement has been active since 1989 fighting for LGBTQ rights in the state. The SC Pride nonprofit organization produces OutFest in June and Famously Hot SC Pride Festival in October, in addition to other education and entertainment events for all South Carolinians throughout the year.
Here is a calendar of Pride Month events for June 2024:
June 1
Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Outfest Block Party, noon-8 p.m. 1200 block of Park St., Columbia. Enjoy an afternoon or food and drink hosted by Ms. Vanjie Mateo. Celebrate with performances of OutFest Idol and by the reigning OutFest Court. Register for the upcoming Ms., Mr., and Mx. OutFest pageant (winners will be chosen in October, during Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival).
Crafts and Cinema: Pride Kickoff, noon-5 p.m., Harriet Hancock Center, 1108 Woodrow St., Columbia. Hosted by HHC's Queer X Disabled peer-support group, this is a laid-back starter for Pride Month that includes streaming movies, crafting supplies, and space to hang out
Mini Kiki Ball: The Kickstart, 6 p.m.-midnight, Columbia Museum of Art (CMA), 1515 Main St. CMA and The Carolina Mother of The Artistic House of Telfar (Olympus Telfar) host a celebration of all queer identities competing in an array of categories. Music by Legendary Founding Mother IndirahDaDJ Ragé. Tickets and category details available online.
Charleston Pride Parade, 9-11 a.m. along historic King Street, from Wragg Square to Market Street. This is the 15th annual parade in downtown Charleston to celebrate and support diversity and equal rights for all.
Rainbow Rally in the Electric City!, 11 a.m.-noon, downtown Anderson. Come together on Main Street in Anderson for a show of pride and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Grand Strand Pride Month Kickoff Party, 3-9 p.m. Nance Plaza, 825 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. Free admission, food and beverage trucks at Grand Strand Brewing Company. Entertainment by DJ Chris Hames and 17 South Band
Pride Myrtle Beach Picnic, 1-6 p.m. Beer Garden behind Tidal Creek Brewhouse, Myrtle Beach. Live music, food and drink, drag performances and a DJ for dancing.
June 4-9
Park Circle Pride Week, North Charleston, various locations. From the raising of the Pride flag, to pageants, happy hours, and the two-part finale, check out the extensive, detailed Pride Week schedule at parkcirclepride.com
June 8
Luau Pride Party, 5-10 p.m., Historic Hampton House 1908, 120 Hagood St., Pickens. A catered affair featuring tropical delights and entertainment by Sincere L'etoile, Amelia Chanel, Big Poppah Cherry and Xinaja. Must be 21+ to attend, beer and wine available for purchase. Tickets available onine, $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Dress code: Tropical or Hawaiian chic
Electric City Pride Festival, Anderson. Three festive locations: Anderson County Farmers Market, Commons Park, and Light of Hope #2024AndersonPride
June 14
Midlands Queer Prom, 7-10 p.m. Historic Columbia Hampton-Preston Garden, 1615 Blanding St., hosted by the Harriet Hancock Center. Whatever your age, come out and dance in the garden.
June 20
Drag Bingo at CMA, 7-9 p.m. Columbia Museum of Art, hosted by the extraordinary Patti O’Furniture, with cash bar featuring art-forward cocktails. Prizes for bingo winners and best dressed attendees.
June 22
Augusta Pride Parade, 10 a.m., Augusta Common, Greene Street Historic District, Augusta, GA. The 14th annual event is trying to be the biggest yet.
Rock Hill Pride Outdoor Festival, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. between E Main and E White streets, Rock Hill. Check out local makers, resources, food and beverage trucks.
Pride Bar Crawl, 4 p.m.-midnight, downtown Greenville. An evening of food, drinks, drag show and afterparty! Tickets available online (sale prices through May 25)
June 28
The Rainbow Gala: Once Upon A Time, 7 p.m.-midnight, Big Apple, 1000 Hampton St., Columbia. Hosted by Sunshine Bella, this year’s theme brings fairy tales and magic to life. Hear inspiring stories from honorees and special guests in a celebration of love, acceptance, and progress. scblackpride.org
June 30
South Carolina Black Pride in the Park, 3 p.m.-until, Earlwood Park, 1113 Recreation Dr., Columbia. Free event featuring fashion, art, culture, advocacy, and food, hosted by Anaya Devore
Every day
Columbia's Harriet Hancock Center, 1108 Woodrow St., offers a variety of resources for LGBTQ+ persons, families and organizations every day of the year. Check out their calendar for meetings and events, and their resource guide for those in need of support.
