By: Taylor Jeromos (she/her), Manager of Learning Production at National Recreation and Park Association
Taylor’s career has focused on creating accessible programming, centering diverse narratives, and facilitating informal learning opportunities for people of all ages. She’s been a part of the education teams at a number of cultural organizations including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis. Taylor earned a master’s degree in Museum Studies and Public History at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in Medieval and Gender History from Earlham College, and is an avid hiker, gardener, and reader.
Celebrating the LGBTQIA2S+ Community
In my work supporting park and recreation professionals, I’ve seen first-hand the impact that nonprofits and cultural organizations can have when celebrating the LGBTQIA2S+ community. (For ease and clarity, I’ll use LGBTQ+ as an umbrella term moving forward). Celebrations can range from a parks department committing itself to implementing inclusive policies to intentionally creating programming designed for LGBTQ+ folx of all ages. Offering unwavering and genuine support creates safer spaces for everyone to live, work, and thrive.
One of the most impactful times for nonprofits, civic/government organizations, parks and outdoor spaces, and cultural institutions to show support is during Pride month, commemorated every year in June. Celebrating Pride is an act of joy and resistance. Pride is a chance to both claim and make space; it declares “we’re here!” and “you’re welcome” all wrapped up in a variety of colorful flags that represent the diversity of our community.
History of LGBTQ+ Folx in Parks and Recreation
The history of LGBTQ+ folx in parks and recreation has a long and storied history. Parks have been places to congregate–albeit sometimes unsafely–for many throughout the years. There are many articles, books, and media content that dive into those vast and nuanced stories. There are well-documented spaces in National Parks, State, and local parks, including commemorative parks you can visit to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride celebrations in parks aren’t new–some have been going on for over fifty years. And every year, they continue to matter more and more in a country that’s actively attempting to silence, erase, and harm its LGBTQ+ citizens. Below is a cross-section of both classic and innovative Pride programming in parks. Take a moment to peruse these awesome Pride events–this might be the genesis of an idea for a Pride celebration at your organization!
2023 Pride in Parks Celebrations
- Zion National Park hosted their first-ever Pride event this year.
- Astoria, in Queens, N.Y., hosted its first Pride Picnic in the Park!
- Twin Cities Pride is celebrating more than 50 years of Pride celebrations in parks; it started in 1972 as small gatherings of protest, has included celebration and remembrance of those who were lost to violence and HIV/AIDS and illness, and this year will welcome more than half a million people over three days.
- Rural Oklahoma Pride hosted Ada, Oklahoma’s first ever Pride event in Wintersmith Park.
- Pride Month in Buffalo (where I live!) hosted a family-friendly Social Justice Story Hour in Days Park in Buffalo.
This is just a small sample of Pride celebrations in parks happening all over the U.S. As we reach the end of Pride month, what learnings can you take forward into the future, to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community year-round and to get ready for next year’s Pride month?
Learn More and Get Engaged!
- Honoring LGBTQ+ History in National Parks
- Podcast and resources from the National Recreation and Park Association
- Pride Outside includes many additional resources for folks looking to get connected with other LGBTQ+ folx
