BY ERIN JONES / SEATTLE CHANNEL MULTIMEDIA INTERN
Since 1974, Seattle’s LGBTQ members and their allies have come together every June to celebrate the community’s culture, history, and ongoing efforts for equality. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s celebrations, including the popular Pride Parade, are going virtual.
Following the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, and the massive protests that followed in the wake of the tragedy, Pride Month organizers are stressing the importance of intersectionality, and shining a light on Black LGBTQ members.
With current events in mind, we have compiled a list of videos from our archives that honor the LGBTQ community and its diverse voices.
Dani Tirrell Moves Through Space
“I teach people of color, and Black children predominately, so that they can understand what’s possible in the world.” Dani Tirrell is a proud Black, queer movement artist whose work stems from both his personal life and culture to project powerful messages.
Community Stories: The Advocate – Manuel Venegas
Manuel Venegas is one of Seattle’s most passionate and outspoken advocates for the city’s LGBTQ, HIV positive, and transgender communities. Venegas uses the power of his own lived experiences to help progress civil rights for his community through his work on the Seattle LGBTQ Commission and the HIV Community Advisory Board.
Art Zone: Drag Queen Jinkx Monsoon
Jerick Hoffer, more widely known as drag queen Jinkx Monsoon, got their start in front of Seattle audiences. The Cornish College alum has a powerful stage presence, wicked whit, and a quirky personality that helped then win “top queen” on the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Wildrose: Seattle’s Only Lesbian Bar
Seattle’s only lesbian bar, the Wildrose, has been a cultural institution for over 30 years. This short documentary showcases the bar’s past, present, and its uncertain future as gentrification changes the character of the historically gay Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Art Zone: Clyde Petersen of Your Heart Breaks performs “Our Forbidden Country”
Have you heard of Your Heart Breaks? They’re a queer band based in Seattle. In 2019, Art Zone had lead singer Clyde Peterson perform “Our Forbidden Country,” a powerful song based on the writings of New York lesbian activist Joan Nestle.
Community Stories: Seattle Quake Rugby Team
Seattle Quake Rugby Football Club is dedicated to breaking stereotypes. They have a mission to bring the sport of rugby to gay, bisexual and men of color while providing a non-threatening and empowering environment to channel their players competitive side.
