PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Because of lingering concerns about COVID-19, this year's LGBT Pride Day Parade and Festival, typically held in Philadelphia in late June, will be postponed until Labor Day weekend. OutFest 2021, in October, is canceled altogether. However, the energy of Pride Month this June is carrying forward in other ways.
Philly AIDS Thrift, a nonprofit shop that raises proceeds for organizations fighting HIV and AIDS, is collaborating with Philadelphia Film Society on a drive-in movie experience at the Navy Yard.
On Wednesday, June 2, the John Waters cult classic "Female Trouble" will kick off Pride Month, AIDS Thrift's Christina Callas-Saritsoglou says.
Canceling Outfest was the right thing to do during the pandemic, she said, but it does not have to throw cold water on LGBT pride.
"It’s a safe decision to not have such a huge gathering at this moment, but we want to participate by celebrating the safest way possible," Callas-Saritsoglou said.
"We just thought it was a great way to do an event and do it safe. What better way than to do a drive-in?"
Arnie Blalark is active in Philadelphia's Gayborhood and says he is in favor of keeping things as safe as possible, while also keeping the spirit alive.
"Entertain every option," says Blalark. "Keep it going."
Residents Dominic and Merideth agree. They declined to give their full names.
"It’s better to play it safe," Dominic said. "And we still need to continue Pride events, to be present and make sure people still feel loved."
A different celebration is better than none at all.
"The ability to be together and just be humans is awesome," Meredith said.
Funds raised will go to Philly AIDS Thrift store renovations.
Philly's annual LGBT Pride Day celebration has been refashioned into a smaller affair and pushed out to Labor Day weekend, three months later than usual.