OUR STORY

“From a negative world comes positive change.”

Lake Charles Pride Festival started from the seeds of ignorance. “There were gays that were treated unfairly,” says Megan Norris, founder, “and as we tried to help, we realized how quiet our voice was.” Not anymore. After fifty members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transexual, Questioning, Accepting (LGBTQA) community hosted a Family Picnic, Norris and others began to organize and plan the festival.

But Pride is more than just a party. It stands for distinct ideals and goals, expressed in the name.

Lake Charles Pride Foundation (LCPF) announces to everyone- gay or straight, that we are here! For too long, homosexuals have hidden from the world, but no more; today is our coming out party! Said Chad Evans, Entertainment Coordinator, “This is an event for everyone. We want to formally announce our presence in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana. We want gays to know they are not alone, that they have a home here, and for the whole community to recognize us, and to see that the LGBTQAs of Lake Charles are welcoming, thriving human beings.” So Lake Charles, know today that you are not alone.

We are looking forward, and as we walk into a positive future, we are taking everyone with us. “I want all parents,” said Anjanette Portie, proud parent of a gay son, “to see what I see. I want them to accept everyone and to experience what they’ve been missing.” We are reaching out, so that no one can miss our love. Whether you’re gay or straight, LC Pride is for you.

LCPF is a chance for LGBTQAs to get involved in the Lake Charles community. While we are here to unify ourselves, and to show PRIDE, we also want to use this as an opportunity to give back. The only way to move forward is through active participation. Look around the festival for signs of involvement, and please jump in! We are your neighbors and friends, the person you buy your milk from and the countless residents of Lake Charles who work side by side with everyone, to make our community the jewel of Southwest Louisiana.

Diversity literally means variety. While we strive for uniformity as a community, LCPF wants to celebrate all aspects of LGBTQA life. “We are more than bars and stereotypes” says Nicholas Cruz, Director of Fundraising, “we are positive individuals- mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, and we want to show all facets of our lives.”

We are here. We are now. And we are unashamed. LCPF is a party, steeped in history. We recognize those who came before us, and promise to continue the fight for equality. Brandy Grantham, Treasurer: “By the time my kids grow up, I want them to know that their parents were ‘normal.’ I want them to be accepted by everyone, not because they are straight or were raised by gay parents, but because they are human.” Everyone should be equal. Pride should flow through everything we do. LCPF strive to stand up, side by side and to be counted as a part of the number.

Lake Charles’ Pride Festival invites you to join us at the beginning of a new era. Have fun today, and remember to show your PRIDE.