Tucson Pride 2025: A Community Vision for the Future of Pride

It was a whirlwind September and I want to take a moment to talk about something that means the world to me—Tucson Pride. Whether you’re new to town or a long-time Tucsonan, our Pride festival is a cornerstone of what makes this community so special. It’s a celebration of love, inclusion, and most importantly, each other. Let me share with you why this event is so close to my heart and how you can be a part of making it better each year.

What Tucson Pride is All About

At its core, Tucson Pride is about bringing people together—whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, this is a space where everyone is welcome. Pride events remind us how far we’ve come and how much more we can do when we stand together. It’s not just about waving flags and enjoying the entertainment (although that’s pretty awesome too); it’s about celebrating love, unity, and the freedom to be exactly who we are. For some it is political, and I get that too. But personally, I really would like to forget the world for just a few hours and be in the moment with my friends. 

One of my favorite things about Tucson Pride is the feeling it creates. You walk into the park and instantly feel at home. Whether you’re catching up with old friends or making new ones, it’s an environment that makes you proud to be a part of this amazing community.

Looking back, Pride used to be called “OUToberFest” and was held in late October due to the temperatures.  So what happened? Years ago, One of the Pride board members, who was a very sad and angry person, decided that he wanted the    name and date changed.  He got his wish and the next Pride event, then changed to “Pride in the Desert”, declined in attendance by more than half.  Attendance has been declining ever since. It is time to get OUToberFest back.  If not in name, at least in date. 

Reflecting on Tucson Pride 2024

Pride 2024 was filled with energy, and while there were definitely some high points, it also reminded us of ways we can make next year even better. One thing I heard over and over was that the event felt too commercial—too many businesses pushing products instead of celebrating what Pride is all about. It’s a fair point. I believe Pride should be about community first, not commerce.

As we look ahead to next year, I want to encourage everyone to get involved. There’s an opportunity for all of us to shape Pride into the event we know it can be—a place to gather, celebrate, and be ourselves without distraction. Join the conversation, volunteer, or even help plan next year’s event by reaching out to Tucson Pride, Inc.

Making Tucson Pride Even Better

Now, let’s talk about how we can make Tucson Pride even more magical. First off, we’ve been hearing that holding the event in September isn’t the best idea. I mean, we all know Tucson’s weather—it’s no joke! That’s why so many people are suggesting we move Pride back to October, where the temperatures are cooler and the event can be enjoyed by everyone comfortably. If pride was thrown on this year on Oct 19, the high temperature is supposed to be 73 degrees.

And, how can we make Pride more inclusive? Well, for starters, I think it’s important that we focus on what Pride is really about—community, unity, and, yes, entertainment that brings us together. Performers should bring a message of inclusion and joy, without diving into divisive politics or abusive language. After all, Pride is a celebration, not a debate stage.

I’ve always believed that Pride should be a space where everyone feels welcome. It’s a place for people to express themselves freely, whether it’s through their style, their love, or simply their presence. If you’re looking for other ways to connect with our vibrant community, check out some of our incredible community organizations—they offer a fantastic way to meet new people and catch up with friends.

A Call to Action: Be a Part of the Change

The most important part of making Pride great is getting everyone involved. That means YOU! Whether you have ideas, want to volunteer, or just want to show up and support, your presence makes all the difference. The Pride planning committee is always looking for passionate people who want to help shape the future of the event. Let’s make Pride 2025 something truly spectacular!

Plus, if you want to stay in the loop on everything LGBTQ+ in Tucson, be sure to check out our Tucson LGBTQ Events Calendar. Whether it’s through local events, happy hours, or charity fundraisers, there are so many ways to stay involved and feel that sense of connection we all crave.

Pride is About More Than One Day

Here’s the thing: Pride doesn’t just happen one day a year. It’s something we carry with us every single day. Whether we’re out and about supporting local businesses or attending community events, we’re always looking for ways to uplift and support each other. The spirit of Pride is alive and well in Tucson, and it’s up to each of us to keep it going strong.

If you want to get involved in more meaningful ways year-round, consider lending a hand at a local nonprofit, attending community meetups, or volunteering at events that are near and dear to your heart. Every small act of kindness and support goes a long way.

A Vision for Tucson Pride 2025

I’m already excited about what Tucson Pride 2025 could look like. Picture this: A cooler October day in the park, live music that gets the whole crowd dancing, food vendors showcasing local flavors, and a community united in celebration. No distractions—just pure love, joy, and togetherness.

We can make that vision a reality, but it’ll take all of us working together. Pride isn’t just about showing up; it’s about being an active part of the community. So, I invite you to dream big, get involved, and help us create a Pride that reflects the very best of Tucson.

If you’ve got ideas or want to be part of the planning, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make Tucson Pride 2025 the best one yet!