
During June, the nation observes, honors, and celebrates Pride. Locally, organizations have started advertising their Pride events. Kern Sol has listed some events you can mark on your calendar.
It’s important to acknowledge that Pride first began as a protest and is still honored as a day of awareness for all the countries and local spaces that still deny the Queer community basic human rights, like the ability to walk down the street hand-in-hand with a romantic partner or access to unbiased healthcare.
These organizations have invited the public to attend their events. Many in the Queer community share the sentiment that attending parades and events during Pride helps support those who are still afraid to showcase their identity publicly.
Happening now through September 7, 2024, Bakersfield Museum of Art continues to display their Resonantly Me: A Queer Artist’s Invitational exhibition that showcases art pieces that encapsulates the 1980s HIV and AIDS epidemic and the contemporary issues with Prep and Truvada, drugs that are meant to treat and prevent HIV. This exhibition can be seen on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with tickets costing ten dollars for adults and five dollars for students.
Thursday, June 27, The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity will collaborate with the Bakersfield Museum of Art to bring PRIDE Art After Dark. This is an interactive event with Drag Queen shows, tabling by local organizations, and indoor art exhibitions will be open. Tickets start at fifteen dollars, and doors to the event open at 7 p.m.
Friday, June 28, Pride Chamber of Kern will be holding a press conference and meet and greet to celebrate the official launch of the new county chamber. This event will be located at The Ovation Theatre, 1622 19th Street in Bakersfield, and starts at 10 a.m.
Saturday, June 29, is the Love Should Be Fair Pride Fair. This is a collaborative event by Bakersfield College’s (BC) Lavender Initiatives and The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity Youth and Young Adult Council. It will be held at the BC Renegade Event Center from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 7, Jazzy Mabel’s Pride Fair has been bringing Queer joy to the Bakersfield community for years. This year they promise the same activities like swimming and shopping locally plus new musical guests and Drag Queens for entertainment. The event is free and will be held at 3311 Chester Lane.