Isom Center, UM Pride Network Organize Inaugural LOU Pride Weekend

The inaugural Lafayette-Oxford-University Pride Weekend is set for May 5-8 throughout the city of Oxford and the University of Mississippi.

The event, organized by the Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies, the UM Pride Network and other student groups, is designed to create inclusive and welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ communities of Lafayette County, Oxford and Ole Miss.

Here is the full schedule of events:

Thursday (May 5)

Code Pink – The weekend festivities begin at Proud Larry’s at 9 p.m. with a dance party, featuring UM student DJs Gogo and Special K, DJ Sgrotesque and DJ Such & Such. There will also be a special dance performance called “Square Secrets” by Hinge Dance Company, Hip Hop Rebs and Ole Miss Student Dance. The event is for ages 18 and older and there is a $5 cover charge.

Friday (May 6)

Lavender Graduation – This inaugural ceremony, held by the UM Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement and other campus partners, will celebrate LGBTQ students graduating from the university this spring. The ceremony is slated for noon in the Ole Miss Student Union Ballroom.

GoDiva’s Eleganza Extravaganza Drag Show – Proud Larry’s will host this event, featuring drag performers Aubrey Ombre, Freaknasty, Krymson Scholar, Baby Holliday and GoDiva Holliday. The 9 p.m. show is for those 18 and older, and tickets are $5 at the door.

Saturday (May 7)

The inaugural LOU Pride Parade will stroll through Oxford. The parade will begin forming at 2 p.m. in the Ford Center parking lot and begin at 2:30 p.m. The route moves from Presidential Debate Way to University Avenue, around the Courthouse Square and back to the University Depot by way of Jackson Avenue. All are welcome to march in the parade or line the route in support of the LGBTQ community.

Sunday (May 8)

LOU Pride Weekend will conclude with a final event at 4 p.m. Sunday. The Shelter on Van Buren will host “LGBTQ Shorts: Struggles and Celebrations of Being Out in the Deep South,” sponsored by the Crossroads Film Society and Oxford Film Festival.

For more information about LOU Pride Weekend, visit http://sarahisomcenter.org/lou-pride-weekend/.