June is my favorite month of the year – and not just because it’s my birthday month – but also because it’s PRIDE month!  It’s a month of rainbows, parades, and celebration as communities worldwide come together to honor inclusivity, diversity, and the fabulous rainbow that is the LGBTQ community. I love it.  A few years ago, I started participating in activities with Tahoe Pride.  For one, to support my friends who are part of the community, and second, to make sure that our LGBTQ community understood that they have allies in our town.  Our Tahoe Pride community is small but mighty, full of great people that I’ve come to call friends.  They have a weekly mixer on Tuesdays (often with a game night theme) that I attend regularly, but in June they really kick the scheduling up a notch!

Overview of South Lake Tahoe Pride Month

If you want to help celebrate South Lake Tahoe Pride Events, there is something happening every week of June!  From colorful bike parades to lively mixers, to bike path and trail work days, there is something for everyone to participate in.  We aim to grow our event size each year and all are welcome!  As I like to remind everyone, y’all means all!

Highlight of Last Year’s Events

Last year, I donated my time to photograph the Pride Bike Ride scheduled as part of the slate of South Lake Tahoe Pride Month events. This event brought together cyclists of all ages and backgrounds to ride the bike paths of Tahoe.  We made a loop from Lakeview Commons, where the mayor spoke, out to Camp Richardson, and then back via the bike paths in Sierra Tract and near LTCC. Many people wore colorful attire which was extra festive and pride-centric. One of the best part’s of living in a small town is the strong sense of community we are often able to foster and photographing the event was so fun!

This Year’s Event Itinerary As we look forward to this year’s Pride Month, South Lake Tahoe has an exciting lineup of events planned to ensure everyone can join in the celebrations. Here is a detailed schedule of events that are left the rest of the month:

  1. City of SLT Pride Commemoration
    • Date: June 12
    • Time: 6:00 PM
    • Location: The pride themed sidewalk by Idle Hour
    • Description: Our pride-themed painted sidewalks are getting a fresh coat of paint and will be commemorated by city officials.
  2. Queer Takeover Trivia
    • Date: June 18
    • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Location: South Lake Brewing
    • Description: Trivia night, but make it gay!
  3. 3rd Annual Tahoe Pride Bike Ride
    • Date: June 29
    • Time: 10:00 AM
    • Starting Location: TBD
    • Route Details: TBD
    • Registration Information: No registration required – just show up at the appointed time! Decorating your bike and dressing up in colorful attire is highly encouraged! Family friendly.
  4. Trailwork and Tailgate Party
    • Dates: July 20
    • Time: 9 AM – 3:00 PM
    • Location: Stagecoach Lodge Parking at Heavenly
    • Description: Help build the new Panorama Trail at the top of the Heavenly Gondola with experienced trail crew leaders, or go on a ~6 mile guided hike along the scenic Tahoe Rim Trail to learn about natural history and soak in the views of the Carson Valley. Afterwards, stick around to celebrate diversity and allyship with a tailgate at the Stagecoach parking lot!This event will start at 9:00 AM and will return to the parking lot around 1:00 PM for a tailgate celebration with all participants invited. Please wear closed toed shoes and long pants and sleeves.  Trailwork to be performed in conjunction with the TRT Association.
  5. Beach Cleanup and Party
    • Date: August TBD

Pride Month in South Lake Tahoe is a time to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusivity – with a sprinkle of glitter and a touch of unicorn magic of course! With an exciting array of events planned, Lake Tahoe Pride has something for everyone to enjoy and participate in.  Whether you’re riding in the Tahoe Pride Bike Ride, slaying at trivia, or helping clean up the beach, your presence – dressed in your most fabulous rainbow outfit – helps strengthen the community and promote a message of equality and acceptance.  Please join in celebrating Pride Month, or at least toss some compostable glitter at us as you drive by!