Celebrating Pride Month in Merced? Here’s where and when events are happening

Pride Month is underway and multiple Merced LGBTQ+ organizations will be hosting events throughout June.

Pride events in Merced

• Liberation in Heels - 7:30 p.m June 19 at Tioga-Sequoia Merced Taproom

CalPride Valle Central, an LGBTQ+ organization in Merced and Madera counties, will host a drag show highlighting African American performers coinciding with Juneteenth.

• Pride prom - 5-11 p.m. June 21 at Merced Multicultural Arts Center

The organization will also host a prom event for graduates of the classes of 2024 through 2028. The event includes music, dancing, food, karaoke and a photo booth.

“We also need to understand that there are queer kids, and these queer kids need community,” said Katalina Zambrano, executive director of CalPride Valle Central. “Walking into this space they’re not going to be hassled, they’re not going to be made fun of, they’re not going to be harassed by folks who may not understand their gender identity or their sexual orientation.”

Tuxedos and dresses are available for the event by request.

• Pride party - 9 p.m. June 21 at The Partisan

The Partisan, a bar on Main Street, will host a pride party for individuals over 21, featuring dance, music and drinks.

• Pride picnic - 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 22 at Applegate Park

CalPride Valle Central will also feature vendors, resources, music and activities at its picnic event in Applegate Park. The group will run a bake sale to raise money for its programming. Zambrano said this is the first year the organization has held a picnic.

“We really wanted to bring it back down to just creating community and enjoying each other and hanging out,” Zambrano said.

• Youth queer talent show - 4-7 p.m. June 30 outside the Healing Generation Center

The Youth Leadership Institute and CalPride Valle Central will host a talent show with youth performers. They aim to create a safe space for queer youth and their art. Food will be provided.

Free tickets are available online and performer applications are open now.