by Michele Zipkin
Philadelphia has a thriving LGBT community, and one of the biggest events the city has to offer is Outfest, presented by the organization Philly Pride. It will take place on Sunday October 7th, and it’s the largest National Coming Out Day event in the world, seriously. Philly Pride is a group of volunteer coordinators (under the leadership of an executive director and senior advisor) whose mission is to achieve the advancement of LGBT rights by fostering awareness through festivals and events. Philadelphia and Philly Pride was one of the first to plan a large-scale NOCD to give exposure to the LGBT community in 1990, and it quickly grew from there.
This year’s Outfest will take place from noon to 6pm in the heart of the Gayborhood, which spans approximately Pine to Walnut and and 11th to Juniper. It will include food, drinks, vendors, community groups and flea markets. All local bars will have short events, like the dance party in front of Tabu on 12th, or the OUTside lounge at Woody’s on 13th. Main events involve a pumpkin carving contest, pet show contest, the infamous penis-shaped bagel eating contest, outdoor women’s party hosted by Sisters, the presentation of the OutProud Award, the Youth Applause Wave, and more. There will also be free STD screening and anonymous HIV testing. Outfest is a free event.
For more information, visit Philly Pride’s website: http://www.phillypride.org
Feature photo credit: Philly Pride Presents, Inc.
