The Smithsonian Institution’s Pride Alliance has announced a virtual celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and history called Project Pride.
The month-long series is premiering on the eve of Pride month, with performances by the Indigo Girls, Roxane Gay, Tig Notaro, Big Freedia, Cameron Esposito, Rufus Wainwright, Tunde Olaniran, and many more artists from all around the world. NPR’s Ari Shapiro will host the program, which will be free for all to watch on May 31 at 8 p.m. EST on YouTube.
“The program will be rounded out with visuals of LGBTQ+-related artifacts and stories from Smithsonian representatives,” a press release from Smithsonian Pride Alliance read. “Participating Smithsonian museums include the Smithsonian American Art Museum; National Museum of American History; National Air and Space Museum; Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; National Museum of African American History and Culture; the Smithsonian’s National Zoo; and more.”
With major Pride parades around the country canceled in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, this virtual series is one of many creative alternatives that LGBTQ+ Pride organizations have come up with.
Pride organizations all over the world have even collaborated to create a massive online Global Pride event to connect LGBTQ+ people internationally. That event will take place on June 27.
“For millions of people around the globe, Pride is their one opportunity each year to come together and feel a part of a community, to feel loved, connected and to know they aren’t alone,” Kristina Garina, president of the European Pride Organisers Association, said in a press release. “It’s essential this year that as Pride organizers, we ensure there is still the opportunity to connect, even if we are connecting from home.”
New York City Pride has also planned its own broadcast TV event for June 28, with appearances by Janelle Monáe, Dan Levy, Billy Porter, Margaret Cho, and more.
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