Pride Month is in full swing!
There are a lot of events to look forward to hosted by our #SwipeItForGood partner Rainbow Pride of West Virginia, and we have quite a few fun things going on as well.
While COVID-19 forced Pride groups to restructure their plans for June, many, like Element and Rainbow Pride of West Virginia are taking things online and finding new and innovative ways to celebrate! This, however, does not mean that moving or canceling their events did not hurt spirits, because events, especially like the big parade in Charleston, meant so much and did so much for their cause.
When asked how the pandemic has affected them, Chris Gosses, the President of Rainbow Pride of West Virginia said, “We’ve been using the time to restructure how we connect with folks in the digital/virtual world. In addition to working to continue our in-person events, we are launching an updated and better website and organizing various webinars and entertaining online events to push out during Pride Month and continue to add to our regular programming.”
Rainbow Pride of West Virginia, founded in 1996, works hard towards their mission which is to “organize LGBTQ social and educational events throughout the year while also providing a forum for issues important to our community and supporters. Through community participation and outreach we aim to raise awareness involving social, scientific and AIDS related information.”
They provide numerous events, not just during June, which is Pride month, but throughout the whole year. According to Gosses, Rainbow Pride of WV is well known for “our June State Pride Parade & Festival, Bi Monthly Drag Queen Bingo, Bi Monthly Pride Bowling nights, the annual Drag Race, Drag Story Times and our Power of One Award Honorees.”
Rainbow Pride of West Virginia is Element’s #SwipeItForGood partner of the month for June. We work together to support events and help raises money for the cause. When asked about Element as an active contributor to Pride and their organization Gosses said,
“Rainbow Pride of WV partnering with Element FCU is a partnership with the potential/goal of directly impacting the lives of our community. Financial health is personal. When our LGBTQ families are welcomed and our diverse social relationships are celebrated, a closer relationship is built with our bankers. Element being visible with your support of LGBTQ people also shines a light on true community inclusive business ethics creating a compass for other businesses to follow.”
We are so excited to celebrate 24 years of Pride here in Charleston. Below you will find a list of events and contests being hosted by us or Rainbow Pride WV.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
Deadline is June 22nd
Element’s Show Your Pride Photo Contest
Visit Element FCU on Facebook and comment a picture of you showing your Pride on one of the contest posts.
The winner will get a $50 gift card and $100 will be donated in their name to Rainbow Pride of WV!
June 6th @ 7 PM
WigOUT with Akasha
Virtual Drag Celebration
facebook.com/events/3340082006025721/
June 11th @ 7 PM
Pride Trivia Facebook Live!
Sponsored by Element
A $1 will be donated to Rainbow Pride WV for every active player!
facebook.com/events/1376905699182261/
June 16th @ 7 PM
Health Matters
A live streamed chat on Facebook discussing HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 and other Health topics including shared experiences, prevention, and stigma.
facebook.com/events/1623299847808174/
June 18th @ 7 PM
Spill the Tea: Trans Talk
A live streamed chat on Facebook discussing trans folks, pronouns, transitions, information and issues in the community.
facebook.com/events/304616290536850/
June 23rd @ 7 PM
L Word WV Chat
A live streamed chat on Facebook discussing lesbian, bisexual and trans women real talk, life experiences, and stereotypes.
facebook.com/events/2359704567672281/
June 27th @ 1 PM
Virtual State Pride Celebration!!!
A live streamed, digital Pride including national performers, speakers, and more.