Burst with pride

June 28, 1969, was an important day for gay rights. The few people who stood up for their rights, protested and resisted arrest on that day inspired activists worldwide. The rebellion at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City is a pivotal moment in the GLBT-rights movement and a prominent event in the progressive social movements of the late 1960s. The Stonewall riots even inspired the creation of pride parades, which are held annually in late June all around the world.

Sacramento Pride, which is usually held on the third Saturday in June, will happen this weekend. Taking place at the Capitol Mall and organized by the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center, the festival will feature a parade, a vendor fair and live entertainment. A first for the festival, organizers decided to move it to earlier in June so it would be further in proximity to the dates of San Francisco Pride as well as the celebration of Juneteenth, or Emancipation Day. This year’s theme is “Festival Fun for Everyone” and features performances by cabaret star Miss Coco Peru, local singer/actress Raquela, singer-songwriter Tom Goss, electropop star Luciana Caporaso, spoken-word artist Jovi Radtke and pop singer Xavier Toscano. There will also be drag queens, street performers, a kids’ zone and numerous beverage areas.

The festival and parade both start at 10 a.m. The parade itself begins at S and Fifth streets and moves up toward Capitol Mall. The festival will take place between Third and Seventh streets on Capitol Mall and ends at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10. More information can be found at www.sacramentopride.com.