A “family-friendly” gay pride festival is being planned in Florence for the sixth year running.
Presented by the Shoals Diversity Center, Renaissance City Pride Fest 2025 will feature musical acts, local vendors and several drag performers at Florence’s Veterans Park.
“Shoals Diversity Center is proud to present our 6th annual Pride in the Park Music Festival and Community Expo! Themed ‘Out in the Open,’ the celebration will take place on Saturday, June 14th from 2pm to 6pm at scenic Veterans Park on the Tennessee River in Florence, Alabama,” a description of the event on Facebook stated.
“This family-friendly event, showcasing local artists and businesses, will be bustling with live performances, vendors, food trucks, and games and activities for all ages!”
Photos from past festivals show children posing with drag performers.
This year's drag performers include Bronzie De’Marco, Skyla Jasmin, Emerald Jade and Lafayette Devereaux, according to the event flyer. T-Mobile, Dynamic Dentistry of the Shoals, Affinity Counseling, and Nevermore Oddities & Tattoo Parlor are sponsoring the event.
1819 News submitted a request with the City’s parks department for a copy of the permit for the event, but has yet to receive a response.
Drag shows have stirred significant controversy across Alabama in recent years, particularly during “Pride Month.” Multiple bills to ban public drag shows in front of minors have made their way through the state legislature during the last three sessions, but none have achieved final passage so far.
The latest effort by State House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) during the 2025 regular session would have prohibited public K-12 schools and public libraries from knowingly presenting or sponsoring drag performances in the presence of a minor without the consent of the minor's parent or legal guardian.
To connect with the story's author or comment, email [email protected] or find him on X and Facebook.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
