The Spectrum Center is hosting Hattiesburg Unified Southern Fried Pride, Hattiesburg’s first gay pride celebration October 9th to 11th.
The main pride event, October 10, 12pm to 6pm, will include a march through Downtown Hattiesburg and live performances from Dr. E & the MS Voodoo Kings, The Squid and The Whale and the Hattiesburlesque dancers.
This event is family friendly, free and open to the public.
“Southern Fried Pride is our first step in unifying the LGBTQ+ communities and allies in Hattiesburg and surrounding areas,” said Lynn LB Bell, Spectrum Center founder.
The Spectrum Center, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 2014 with the purpose of being a resource and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in and around Hattiesburg. The center serves as a host location for meetings for various groups affiliated with the LGBTQ+ community and currently offers free HIV testing and other health-related functions through collaborations with the greater community, social functions and support groups. Long-term plans include providing counseling; a community kitchen and pantry; and short-term emergency housing for LGBTQ+ youth who have been displaced.
“We all have worth, and we should celebrate our differences. I hope Southern Fried Pride will set a tone of acceptance and unity for all of Hattiesburg’s citizens,” said Bell.
Southern Fried Pride was made possible by support from Lynn “LB” Bell, DO, Human Rights Campaign Mississippi, Campaign for Southern Equality, Affinity Retreat, Magnolia Graphics, RISE, Signature Magazine, Charles Griffith, MD, and Joshua Generation MC.
For a complete list of events and pride sponsors visit www.hattiesburgpride.com.—
