Guide to pride: Fayetteville, Sandhills roll out events for final weeks of June
Guide to pride: Fayetteville, Sandhills roll out events for final weeks of June
Pride Month celebrations are ramping up, with the Fayetteville Pride Festival returning June 21 to a new venue and a lineup of events planned throughout the region.
The Fayetteville Pride Festival is moving inside this year, with the city's largest LGBTQ+ celebration set to take place at the Crown Complex.
The free event, organized by the nonprofit Fayetteville PRIDE, runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 21 and features entertainment, local vendors, food trucks and family-friendly programming, according to Fayetteville PRIDE president Krystal Maddox.
The motto of this year's event is 'My crown, my pride, my love. They can't take that away.'
This year's headliner brings national recognition to the local stage.
R&B singer Kyng Bea, a former American Idol Golden Ticket winner and cruise ship entertainer, will perform at 4 p.m, according to a Fayetteville PRIDE news release. Known for his dynamic stage presence, Bea has opened for artists such as Patti LaBelle and Dru Hill and recently performed at Global Black Pride in Atlanta.
Maddox said another show at 1 p.m. will include performances by drag queens, drag kings and local artists. The final two hours of the festival will feature a dance party with contests and prizes.
She said the event's move from Festival Park allows for heightened security to protect attendees.
Security measures include metal detectors and a clear bag policy. Only clear bags smaller than 12-by-6-by-12 inches or clutch-style bags under 4.5-by-6.5 inches will be allowed. Outside food or beverages, weapons and pets are prohibited, with the exception of service animals.
Additional Pride-themed events are planned in and around Fayetteville:
Pride Tattoo Event
Art-Works & Ink will host a Pride-themed tattoo event June 21 from 2 to 10 p.m. at 116 Old St. in downtown Fayetteville.
People can choose from a flash sheet of pride-inspired tattoos or work with artists on custom designs.
Fayetteville Woodpeckers' 'Night OUT'
The Fayetteville Woodpeckers hosts its second annual 'Night OUT' game at 6:35 p.m. June 26 at Segra Stadium.
Theme tickets, which include an exclusive Pride jersey, start at $14. The team will play the Augusta GreenJackets. Buy tickets on the Woodpeckers' theme tickets page.
Sandhills PRIDE Events
In Southern Pines, Sandhills PRIDE will host events to round out Pride Month.
On June 21, the Older Wiser Lesbians, or O.W.LS, will gather for a relaxed lakeside brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Reservoir Park in Southern Pines.
The event is open to those aged 24 and older and offers a chance to connect, share stories and enjoy the outdoors. Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite drink or snack to share. Registration is required.
Sandhills PRIDE will also mark its 10th anniversary with a trivia night June 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Rec Room, 750 SW Broad St. in Southern Pines.
The event will include games, community building and birthday celebrations highlighting a decade of LGBTQ+ advocacy in the Sandhills.
Government Watchdog Reporter Claire C. Carter can be reached at ccarter@gannett.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Buzz Feed
36 Fun Products For Frugal Shoppers
Playful clips that are as practical as they are pretty — they'll hold your towel in place on your chair so you won't have to chase it across the pool deck and can focus on more important things like sipping on a Diet Coke and making sure your tyke isn't peeing in the kiddie pool. A waterproof version of the beloved Taco, Cat, Goat Cheese, Pizza game — it's a card game you can play with your family for guaranteed giggles and a way to catch your breath from traipsing around in the ocean. Hilarious poop-shaped reusable water balloons your kids won't be able to stop cackling about all summer long. All you'll need to do is fill it with water and let the magnetic seal do the rest. A tiny bookshelf that'll quickly become your favorite way to de-stress after a long work day — shake it to send the teeny books flying, then (after a restorative deep breath) put them back on the shelf. My apologies to your rage room membership, this might just be the solution you need. Polarized heart-shaped sunglasses with rainbow mirrored lenses for the finishing touch on the flawless outfits you've put together to wear while boppin' between Pride celebrations this month. Or some oversize square sunnies if you've got Bottega Veneta taste but an average-human-who-works-9-to-5 budget. These will easily transform your summer looks without literally breaking your piggy bank into a zillion pieces. A shaker of edible cocktail glitter, so just like Taylor Swift, you and your drinks can make the whole room ✨shiiiiiimmmerrrr.✨ Cheers to whipping the most fabulous bevs of the summer, my friend. And a heart-shaped silicone ice cube tray because summer is on its way, and so are your chilled bevs! Spruce up your iced coffees and Long Island iced teas with a little love in the form of these cubes. 💕 Plus a Java Sok to keep your drink chilled and prevent it from dripping all over your desk — it's a must-have for anyone who is tired of drinking watered-down iced coffee because they got caught up in a chaotic morning and didn't have a spare moment to sip on it. An Owala FreeSip water bottle in an exciting color that'll ensure no one ever picks up theirs by mistake while they're chatting up the cute lifeguard at the pool this summer. Not to mention, it's made of triple-layered, vacuum-insulated stainless steel that'll keep their drink cold for 24 hours *and* two ways to drink from it (a spout and a straw!) A rechargeable heated ice cream scoop so you won't have to wait for your Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey Ice Cream to soften before *literally* digging in. Not a moment to waste!!! And a super chic handpainted ice cream bowl that'll make you feel like you're delicately eating your favorite frozen treat in a trendy corner café instead of what you're actually doing: shoveling it down while trying not to drip it on your couch. A gold-plated paper clip necklace from affordable (and fabulous) jewelry brand Pavoi, whose sole mission seems to be finding a way to glam up all of our looks without having to gobble up all of our dollars. One reviewer even used it as a base to make a charm necklace! Or a dazzling tennis bracelet no one would guess cost you less than 20 bucks! It's 14-karat gold plated, has a reliable clasp, and will add the perfect amount of sparkle to their daily stack. Murdle, Volume 1, a compilation of murder mystery–themed logic puzzles that are reminiscent of the ever-popular Wordle game. This version will encourage you to use powers of deduction and a variety of clues to solve the mysteries throughout the book. Sherlock Holmes, who? A ribbed button-up tank that very likely could have inspired LFO's hit "Summer Girls" lyric, "I like girls that wear Abercrombie & Fitch," because it has *such* similar vibes to one of their trendiest pieces right now (but for way cheaper!) A tennis skirt with built-in shorts *and* an absolutely essential hidden pocket (who doesn't LOVE a pocket?!) so even if you have zero plans to hit the court (ever) you can rock the cutest little 'fit all summer without fear of a breeze revealing your fave pink undies to the world. A quilted leather crossbody purse that'll be reminiscent of the Chanel one you've always coveted but comes in fun colors the brand would never touch. One ticket to Compliment City, plz. A longline sports bra that'll function as a shirt or a bra — yes, she's a two-for-one special you'll daydream about throwing on the second you walk in the door after work. See ya later, business casual blazer! This beauty comes in 29 colors (SHEESH!) so you can truly load up and make it your post-workday uniform. Trendy boxer-style shorts you'll pat yourself on the back for choosing over the $98 ones from Reformation — I mean, should any pajama-like bottoms cost more than 10 bucks? Doubtful! These are cute to boot, affordable, and a huge win for your summer wardrobe. A packable floppy hat that'll fold up nice 'n' neatly in your tote bag and protect your pretty little face (it has built-in UPF 50!) so you can focus on more important things like what to order from the poolside bar. Or a darling denim baseball cap embroidered with cherry tomatoes because we all know that's your most prized crop, and it deserves its own moment in the sun (literally, atop your head). Tomato girl summer is here to STAY. Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops that'll be your secret summertime weapon — no one needs to know that you actually detest being out in the sun because the minute you expose your skin to the elements, you tend to burn to a crisp. This beauty (which is $33 cheaper than the Drunk Elephant version) will leave you with a natural-looking tan. A lightweight tinted lip balm with a touch of gloss that'll be perfect for anyone who wants to add some color to your pout but keep it looking au natural. It's super similar to the viral Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm. Nooni appleberry lip oil you'll likely need to order double of because once your sister catches wind of how good it looks on your lips, she's definitely going to try and steal it out of your purse. It'll leave a slight color and gloss on your pout while also working overtime to moisturize and strengthen it at the same time. A nostalgic Lip Smacker Rolly Lip Gloss with a cooling sensation that'll knock you right back into your childhood — except now you have Adult Money so you can buy all four scents from the jump. Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer filled with avocado oil and shea butter that'll revitalize your entire skincare routine for less than 12 bucks — talk about a cheap thrill! A Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball with a scent to transport you right into an island paradise anytime you apply it to your wrist. Is this what the Love Island villa smells like?! I'd like to think so. A moisturizing body wash inspired by the fancy (and not quite as affordable) Baccarat Rouge 540 perfume — body wash is filled with scents of white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber and will make every shower feel like a luxury. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops that'll quickly become your most talked about skincare item after you see how incredible it'll leave your face looking and feeling. It's packed with hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid and can be used solely as a serum or mixed in with your go-to foundation for a hydrating boost your skin is likely craving. Reviewers love using it instead of the pricier (but VERY similar) Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Mise En Scene Perfect Serum you'll think was actually crafted by a witch in the woods who was tired of having dry, frizzy hair — this game-changing K-beauty hair oil will work wonders on your locks *and* for a fraction of the price of the famed $46 Gisou hair oil. You best set aside some time to write me a personalized thank you note for introducing you to your new favorite product. 😉 A shockingly realistic-looking soup can safe to stash your life savings in so you can live without the fear of your sibling and their grubby little paws trying to snatch it and spend it all on ice cream. A hilarious Stanley–inspired baby rattle for your mini bestie who, obviously, will be over the moon to have an emotional support tumbler like their fave auntie. You can even have their name added to it! A darling mini duffel bag for quick gym trips when all you need are your wallet, keys, and a water bottle. It has the sweetest bow accents that'll make you want to carry it all around town instead of just when you're headed to break a sweat. A "Spooky Cutie" stress relief coloring book from Coco Wyo (a TikTok famous brand known for creating the most adorable coloring books) featuring big, easy-to-color pictures you'll take one look at and want to scream, "THIS IS SO ADORABLE!!!!!" I'm giving you permission to crack this open and pretend it's nearly cozy szn even if summer has *just* made its debut. And some colored pencils with multi-colored tips that'll transform any boring coloring sesh into something straight out of your wildest dreams. I hope you're imagination is ready to put these babies to work!
Axios
6 hours ago
- Axios
Number of LGBTQ-inclusive films drops again, data shows
LGBTQ representation in major movie studios' productions has been dropping, per data from GLAAD. Why it matters: In 2024, for the second year in a row, there was an overall decrease in inclusive films, after having hit a record high, GLAAD found. The studios are "running the risk of losing the next generation of consumers," says Megan Townsend, GLAAD's senior director of entertainment research. One in five Gen-Z U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ, per Gallup. Driving the news: The entertainment industry has shown signs of succumbing to pressure to scale back on diversity and inclusion. Several distributors, including Disney, Netflix and Paramount, pulled back Pride Month messaging this year. By the numbers: Although the number of LGBTQ characters went up in 2024, from 170 to 181, fewer movies featured them. Only 59 out of 250 films included LGBTQ characters, down from 70 out of 256 the previous year, the study found. Among the LGBTQ characters, those of color decreased from 78 in 2023, to 66 in 2024. LGBTQ-inclusive animated and family films from the 10 top distributors declined from 8 out of 39 in 2022 to 2 out of 26 in 2024. The bottom line: "It is very hard to change your brand perception and win people back after they have decided that your brand is not for them, doesn't look like them, doesn't look like their friends, their family," Townsend tells Axios.
USA Today
7 hours ago
- USA Today
5 biggest issues facing the NFL in 2025: Beware of greed
Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports called Project: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps. The NFL season doesn't start for several months but that doesn't mean we can't step into a time machine and look into the future. Particularly, examining some of the problems the league may face in the coming 2025 season. Some of these issues are more tactile while others are more theoretical. But they are all potentially problematic. Here are five to look out for: 5. There's no team to hate Hate generates interest. Not that the NFL needs more people watching. There's plenty, of course. The NFL averaged 17.5 million viewers last season, down about 2% from the previous year. One of the things that has always made the league even more watchable is hating a player or team. The Patriots were remarkable villains during their dynastic years. Historic team. Accused cheaters. Accused football deflators. Arrogant. They were historic bad guys. There's really no entity like that now. Every team in the league is likeable. Go ahead. Name a team that's even in the same universe as those Patriots. Yes, you may hate the Cowboys because they're the Cowboys. But Dallas hasn't been truly relevant on the field in decades. They're too average to hate. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles? Nice guys. Kansas City? Difficult to hate overall. Though admittedly there are some, well, questionable dudes on the roster. But how can you hate any team where one of the players is dating Taylor Swift? The Ravens? Quarterbacked by a hardworking, good dude in Lamar Jackson. The Raiders? They are now led by a kind, elder gentleman. Once another villain team emerges (and that will happen) the NFL will get even more interesting and, well, fun. For now the hate factor is low. 4. Backtracking on DEI There are some people who agree with what appears to be (at least partially) some backtracking on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives the league had fully engaged in after the murder of George Floyd. (If you want to read about what the NFL is doing regarding DEI, my super talented colleague Jarrett Bell recently wrote all about it.) Yes, some people will like that, but plenty won't. They are paying attention to what the NFL is doing and don't agree. If they weren't already suspicious about the league, they will be. 3. It's more expensive to watch games If you don't have traditional cable, and you want access to every NFL game, you will need some six streaming services. The changing, more expensive nature to watching football might not be a long-term threat since people will adjust, but it will be an issue for some in the near future. It can be confusing and most importantly, it can be more costly to watch football in 2025. 2. Officiating You may not have heard this news but the NFL relegated three officials back to college, according to Football Zebras, which relentlessly covers officiating. It was an anecdotal indication of what many of us know with the NFL: the officiating remains highly problematic. The league will vehemently disagree with this but watch any NFL game and you can see it. This isn't new but it's still relevant. The speed of the game is superhuman while the refs are analog. 1. Greed This will always be an issue in professional sports but especially in the NFL. The league has rarely paid a price for being greedy, so it plunges ahead with things like plans for an 18-game season. Maybe the NFL will never pay a price for constantly pushing the money envelope. We'll see. But in normal physics there is such a thing as saturation. Next: 5 things that will go right for the NFL in 2025. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
