Pride Month goes virtual

COEUR d’ALENE — Though COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the sixth annual Pride in the Park last Saturday, the North Idaho Pride Alliance still plans to celebrate safely — and the community is invited.

As part of Pride Month, which honors the 1969 Stonewall uprising in Manhattan, New York City, the North Idaho Pride Alliance has launched CDA4Pride, a multimedia campaign that aims to raise awareness and opportunities to engage with LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning) people, allies and community partners.

“I am so proud of the organization and the work we are doing in North Idaho to bring people together in social spaces and in freedom,” said North Idaho Pride Alliance co-founder Juli Stratton. “Wherever we go, we want to feel a part of this community.”

Through the month of June, the North Idaho Pride Alliance will deliver content locally and connect community members with allied partners and resources. Activities include a concert series featuring local musicians, a weekly podcast exploring the lived experiences of local LGBTQ people, a virtual trivia night, an art exhibit at the Human Rights Education Institute, a scavenger hunt in downtown Coeur d’Alene and more.

The North Idaho Pride Alliance also encourages local supporters to celebrate Pride Month by decorating their homes and businesses or dressing up in rainbow colors. Participants can post a photo on social media with the hashtags #CDA4Pride, #livelovebeunited and tag @nipridealliance.

“Live. Love. Be united,” Stratton said. “That is our motto and that is what we believe.”

For a full schedule of activities, visit the North Idaho Pride Alliance page on Facebook or www.nipridealliance.com.