Vermont’s September Pride is just another fun and quirky thing that makes our great state unique and special. We made the move from June to September about 8 years ago for many reasons. The lack of our college population in June, the competition from neighboring metro Pride’s (namely NYC and Boston, but also Chicago), and the weather. We’ve found weather in early September to be oh-so-delightful as opposed to the often wet and unpredictable June weather.

Pride is every month (and we are not alone in our shift. Our friends just north in Montreal celebrate in August) and we’ve found this nifty calendar that could keep you pridefully busy year-round: https://www.gaypridecalendar.com/

But when June rolls around, don’t fret it – there’s usually plenty of LGBTQ/Pride events scheduled. Just last year, the Governor named June 2019 as Stonewall Rebellion Month in Vermont. We celebrated Stonewall’s 50th anniversary in Montpelier with LGBTQ leaders and a tea dance. There were a handful of events in the Burlington area including First Friday (drag/burlesque show and dance party) in South Burlington, Untapped in Winooski, Proud AF Ball in Burlington, Burly Bear, Burlington Queer Bar Takeover, Paint: Drag Cabaret, Pride Brunch at Misery Loves Co, and a screening of a film about LGBTQ+ women’s health disparities.

And statewide in towns like Windsor, White River Junction, and Bennington, special Pride Celebrations are held annually. You’re bound to find queer dance parties and drag shows at venues in towns like Bethel, Montpelier, Bellows Falls, and Brattleboro. And those are just some community-run events besides all the fun stuff we plan on a regular basis from within the Pride Center. http://pridecentervt.org/calendar

Or, hey – you could always be part of the magic by joining the Pride Planning Committee, meeting the 4th Tuesdays of the month at 6pm at the Pride Center (you can connect virtually via Zoom if further from Burlington). In the meantime, we look forward to celebrating with you in September. And if not sooner at one of our many events.

Justin Marsh has been the chair of the Pride Planning Committee and the lead coordinator for the Pride Vermont Festival and Parade since 2018. They’re also the Development & Communications Director for Pride Center of Vermont. 


Photo: Siren Cyn (left), Katniss Everqueer (center), and Ginge O’Lolly (right) of the Green Mountain Cabaret, performing at Pride 2019. Credit: Owen Leavey Photography