New Beginnings in
TUCSON
Pride in the Desert celebrates the rainbow after the storm
But first, we celebrate.
By Megan Wadding
P
ride in the Desert, Tucson’s annual celebration that includes the Pride on Parade and Pride in the Park, will take place Sept. 29.
The theme for this year’s festivities is “New Beginnings,” which is fitting because Tucson Pride has seen a lot of changes in recent years, with concern to both the board and the new direction for the organization. “It is no secret, Tucson Pride as an organization has undergone significant changes,” said Sam Cloud, Tucson Pride 24
OCTOBER 2018
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EchoMag.com
the community, building and nurturing relationships with similar organizations and an overall mission to strengthen our community.”
board’s vice-president. “A year ago, the board was considering dissolution because of a financial crisis resulting from an incident of alleged theft and fraud.”
Pride on Parade
Cloud said the organization “spent months” figuring out how to regroup and restructure.
The celebration kicks off with Pride on Parade, which has historically been held on the Friday evening before the Festival. This year, due to community feedback, it will take place at 11 a.m. Sept. 29, and precede the festival (also Saturday).
“New Beginnings reflects the refocus of the organization to move forward in a positive direction, with a new foundation, stronger and more resolute than ever before,” Cloud said. “Our strategic plan goals include financial structure and stability, positive engagement with
“Many folks from our community voiced concern over holding the parade in the dark, as if we were hiding in the shadows. With the addition of the streetcar downtown, public safety during the parade has also become a primary concern, as we were only able to shut down one direction celebrate
