A Community of
RAINBOWS
Phoenix Pride hosts annual street fair celebration By Laura Latzko
I
n Phoenix, the nation’s fifth largest city, pride and community are celebrated in many ways. From each individual’s creative expression to the businesses and organizations they choose to support – both can be found in nearly every aspect of daily life. Only a few times a year, though, are there opportunities for the entire community to converge and celebrate pride together – one of which is Rainbows Festival. Each fall, as summer begins to fade, this street fair-style event offers the
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EchoMag.com
LGBTQ community and allies of all ages a place to gather, see a full lineup of entertainment, eat and drink, shop, become acquainted with local resources, network and – most importantly – celebrate. Produced annually by Phoenix Pride, this year’s festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 20-21 at Heritage Square Park in downtown Phoenix. According to Mike Fornelli, Phoenix Pride executive director, attendees can expect to see an increase in the number of exhibitors and vendors this year, due
to a greater interest – and support – from LGBTQ and allied organizations. Fornelli attributes this, in part, to the current political climate and upcoming election. This year, such organizations as the Arizona Democratic Party and the Human Rights Campaign will have booths at the festival in an effort to encourage, and register, community members to vote in the November election. “It’s a huge opportunity to get it out there [and spread the word] that people need to get to the polls and vote for LGBT[Q] initiatives,” he added. The community-focus, that doesn’t cost to attend, also coincides with LGBT[Q] History Month (observed nationally each October). “I think it’s important to have a community celebration that doesn’t cost celebrate
