Reflections on Snohomish County Pride in 2019

Editor’s note: Originally published July 2, 2019. Republished June 18, 2020.

In 2019 more than ever before, Pride seems to be a permanent fixture. It's almost as if you could turn the page in any calendar to June and find the rainbow flag instead of the grid of days. One could argue that's a good thing, and rest assured, people are arguing. As a heavy internet user, the main source of my Pride fatigue comes from the endless online discourse. What does Pride even mean any more? Who belongs there and doesn't? Is corporate participation good or bad?

It wasn't fatigue that kept my husband and me from Snohomish County Pride though. We were at another celebration, the wedding of our friends Aengus and Blair.

*The grooms suggested Hawaiian shirts for their luau of love // Rufus Greywolf*

Since I couldn't be there, I reached out to entertainers from the festival to find out how it went and what they think of Pride in 2019:

Shay Fox: drag performer and producer

Cooling her heels between numbers // Christina Hines

We are taught so many conflicting things about Pride as children. Be proud of who you are and the work you’ve done but don’t gloat or push it in people’s faces. Very confusing to learn as a child. Even more confusing when you add being part of the LGBTQ+ community into the mix. Being a public figure in the Snohomish County community gives me such a level of Pride that I can’t help but share with everyone! I am so proud that the 3rd Snohomish County Pride had so many amazing performers, vendors and attendees. The age range was vast but the common ground we stood on as a LGBTQ+ community was strong. As I prepare to walk in the Seattle Pride parade, I can’t help but think how lucky I am to be a part of the beginning of such an amazing event for an otherwise unacknowledged part of the community. YES! There is a Snohomish LGBTQ+ Community! YES! There are Drag Queens in Snohomish County! And now..... YES! There is a Snohomish County Pride! A Pride I am proud to say I have been a part of the last three years and hope to be a part of for many years to come!

David Johnson: alternative folk musician and singer

Grabbing a selfie with his friend Melissa while enjoying Pride in the sunshine // David Johnson

June 1st, 2019 was a perfect, sunny day for Snohomish County Pride. This was its second year at Willis D. Tucker Park in Snohomish. The festival started with a beautifully sung Native American prayer/blessing. Shay Fox was the emcee and kept the day full of laughter and fun, while DJ Mixx America filled the park with danceable music all day!
Throughout the afternoon there was a lot to see on stage from fabulous drag numbers, to inspirational speeches from local youth, to live music. Anthony Void did an amazing job at scouting the talent for this year’s festivities!
In addition to food trucks, there were many businesses and organizations that set up booths including Lifelong AIDS Alliance (which provided HIV testing and information on treatment and support), Trans Women of Color Solidarity Network (which received $469 in donations), and various LGBTQ+ affirming churches.
Perhaps the best moments of the day for me personally were those when we heard stories from the younger members of the community. They relayed the struggles and triumphs of their personal journeys in self-discovery and offered encouragement to others no matter what stage of the process they were in.
Their bravery and candidness showed me that we have a strong generation coming up who will take our rights seriously and work hard to maintain and expand them! This year’s event was a definite success and I look forward to many more to come.

Pride's a little different here now that there are no gay bars. They aren't just a place to drink and party; they're also community gathering spots, venues for fundraisers and one of the only places for queer singles to meet outside of mobile apps and dating services.

Gladys (David Bayless) of ETHEL!! shows Garret and Tyler the ropes // Christopher Bragg

The scene in Everett was expanding in 2017, the year of Snohomish County's first Pride celebration. Bar Myx moved into the old Tailgator building and became Trilogy, a club with a different concept on each of the three floors. Owner Brenton Holland also took over at Prohibition, where Shay Fox hosted sold-out drag brunches. Unfortunately, he had to close both a few months later. (June 2020: We've heard Holland is working on a new bar, though. Watch for it on Broadway.)

While no new gay bars have opened in the meantime, you can still find events around Everett. Shay Fox's Drag Me to Brunch happens the first Sunday each month at Anchor Pub, which also hosts her Fool's Gold shows. I've even spotted some Everett Leather nights on the calendar wall while attending brunch!

One of my favorite events is the twice-yearly Snohomo Bingo fundraiser at the Carl Gipson Senior Center. Live in Everett sponsored a table in 2019 and Tyler fulfilled his lifelong dream of calling numbers.

Via word of mouth, I learned local bears (big bearded gay guys for those who don't know) gather at The Fireplace Bar on Fridays. I'm not sure I'll ever make it over because I'm usually in bed at 8 p.m., so I asked a friend who goes to tell me about it.

Bill Zama: Owner, Zamarama Gallery

Zama in the beverage nook at Zamarama Gallery // Christopher Bragg

When we moved to Everett two years ago, I looked on the map to find out where the gay bars were located. Lo and behold, the only rainbow flag was a few blocks from our house. As I started meeting new friends in town, I found out that this was a gay-friendly neighborhood bar and they host the bears there every Friday night. This is a very welcoming group of mostly men that share stories and beverages in an informal setting. Another newcomer stated he wouldn't have met so many nice people when he moved here if it wasn't for this place. I concur. The Fireplace Bar is a really nice old bar with quite the varied patrons. Stop by Fridays at 9 p.m. for fun and camaraderie. Hugs all around!

The Fireplace, a friendly and fun dive on Everett Avenue // Christopher Bragg

Although Pride marches on, typically with the crowd heading South to Seattle or North to Vancouver, it's catching on in Everett. In 2019, the city and Live in Everett both unveiled great rainbow logos and the Everett AquaSox are hosted their second-annual pride night at Funko Field.

2019 marked the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, the multi-day uprising against police brutality that was the flashpoint for the modern queer liberation movement. Same-sex marriage nationwide was a huge milestone, but we have a long way to go. While trans women of color are now properly recognized for their early contributions in the movement, they're also being attacked and murdered at an alarming rate.

This is why it's important to temper the celebration with education. Show up for the party and tip the bartenders and performers, but please also listen to the speakers and donate to worthy causes. If you're feeling a bit of Pride fatigue, friends, community and charity are great ways to keep it at bay.