Columbia Celebrates 34 Years of Pride with a Grand Festival
Columbia, S.C. — The vibrant city of Columbia is lighting up with joy and inclusivity as it celebrates 34 years of Pride through the Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival. This beloved event kicked off on Friday with an electrifying parade that filled downtown Columbia with laughter, color, and an overwhelming sense of community. The essence of the parade is not just about celebration, but also about embracing queer joy and resilience.
Community Voices Shine Bright
Dylan Gunnels, the president of Famously Hot South Carolina Pride, expressed the very heart of this festival. “To celebrate, to experience queer joy. That’s something that we talk about a lot, is queer joy and queer resilience,” he noted. This sentiment was palpable throughout the parade, where hundreds of participants adorned themselves in festive attire, created vibrant floats, and gathered together for a purpose.
“We want to be able to create events and create an organization that is sustainable, that is long-lasting, an organization that’s making a truly, deeply impactful mark on the state,” Gunnels added. His words resonate deeply, especially coming from a non-profit organization comprised of just 16 dedicated individuals. Their tireless efforts are clearly evident, as the parade was not just an event; it was a labor of love.
Bringing People Together
Julie Turner, who leads the South Carolina chapter of Free Mom Hugs, joyfully remarked on the significance of such events in Columbia. “It feels amazing to have an event like this in Columbia because so many of our communities in outlying areas can’t really have pride events,” she said. “Many of them do travel here. And this is a huge event. It is a huge revenue generator for downtown, and it is so meaningful in so many ways.” It’s inspiring to see the community come together, with residents and visitors alike rallying to support pride in their city.
John White, a member of the Midlands Men’s Chorus, echoed this sentiment. “Especially being in South Carolina, it’s important that people know there’s a community here,” he pointed out. “You don’t just have to go to a big city to celebrate Pride. You can do it right here in your backyard, and it’s really nice to see the city come out to support everybody.” These voices of the community are what make the Famously Hot Pride Festival so special.
A Night to Remember
The parade commenced at sunset, winding its way down Laurel Street, where celebration and excitement filled the air. This year’s festivities also boasted live music, appearances from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and the showcasing of over 80 LGBTQ+-owned businesses. It’s truly a testament to the diversity and richness of the LGBTQ+ community here in South Carolina.
As Gunnels emphasized, “Even though this is the event that we do in the Midlands every year, we have a focus on making sure that every single queer person across the state feels like they belong, knows that they are loved, and knows where to get connected.” The purpose of the festival goes beyond one weekend. It strives to foster connections and build a sense of belonging among the LGBTQ+ community throughout the entire state.
Looking Ahead
Organizing a festival of this scale is no small feat. Non-profit officials reveal that planning takes place year-round, with the team scheduled to reconvene in November to begin outlining plans for 2025. The pride and dedication behind the Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival are clear, ensuring that it remains a beloved tradition for years to come.
If there’s anything this festival exemplifies, it’s the spirit of inclusion and celebration. With such a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Columbia is more than ready to shine a light on love, acceptance, and community for all.
