From researching modern queer history at university and later disseminating that same information to rural North Dakotans to leading the Inlander's annual Pride section for another year, it's fair to say I've thought about Pride a lot.
The overarching message I've found through it all is that: Beyond the hardship and the attempts to erase or silence queer people through discrimination and governmental action or inaction over the past century, there's always something to be proud of in the LGBTQ+ community.
This year there's more to be proud of than ever, especially here in the Spokane area. While more than 200 unpaid volunteers selflessly donate their time each year to create the extravagant Pride parade and festival, leaders at Spokane Pride have worked around the clock for months finding local partnerships to replace tens of thousands of dollars that would usually come from national sponsors.
Inside you'll also meet the barrier-breaking drag queen Beyoncé Black St. James, who became the first Washingtonian crowned Miss Trans USA in 2024, and Trans Spokane's Executive Director Louis Stay.
And don't forget to check out the long list of local Pride-related events in and around the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene area, too.
— COLTON RASANEN, Section Editor
