GRAND RAPIDS — Itasca Pride board member Aron Schnaser said celebrating Pride Month is about building an accepting community.
“People who have been hostile in the past are outnumbered by people who are accepting in our community," Schnaser said on the KAXE Morning Show. "For every comment we’ve had against us, we’ve received so many more supportive comments."
The event is not the first Pride celebration in Itasca County, but it’s the first with the group Itasca Pride. Itasca Pride Fest is planned as a safe, family-friendly event including music bingo, live music and a drag performance at noon.
KAXE previously reported on a Grand Rapids City Council meeting when two residents showed up questioning the group's rental of the Old Central School grounds. Over a dozen people in support of Itasca Pride also spoke at the meeting.
The city posted a response on Facebook detailing the Supreme Court’s content-neutral limitations, meaning the city cannot consider viewpoint when deciding what can be done on public property.
Schnaser said as an organizer, it has been important to not react with hostility to opposition. “Conversations are great to have, but we do our best not to feed in and be personal or personally attack [others] ourselves.”
Listen to Aron Schnaser on the KAXE Morning Show above!
Faith communities
Itasca Pride leaders said they've been intentional about including local churches in the event.
“We want to make sure we're welcome to everyone, including people of faith, regardless of what faith you are,” Schnaser said.
Multiple faiths will be represented at an Itasca Pride Interfaith Service at 7 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church.
KAXE is a media sponsor of Itasca Pride Fest 2024.
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