Though Santa Rosa and other communities in Sonoma county have already hosted Pride events, in Healdsburg all the action is this coming weekend, including a Pride “Movie Night” and a Rainbow Runway show at the Pavilion, followed by a “Tea Dance” for “music, movement, and connection.”
The rainbow colors of the Pride Flag rose above City Hall last Monday afternoon, June 1, to inaugurate Pride Month in Healdsburg. The City Council was there, although its regular meeting did not begin until 6pm, and although an official Proclamation was drafted and signed by Mayor Chris Herrod, the speakers at the flag-raising ceremony ran out the clock. There was no time to get to the reading of the Proclamation, there or in the meeting, but it’s official anyway: June is “LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Month” in Healdsburg.
June 1 speakers celebrated Healdsburg’s historic role in defeating the Briggs Initiative, a statewide proposition in 1978 that would have banned gay teachers and even supporters of lesbian and gay rights from working in public schools. Several of them were teachers, who 50 years ago played a part in supporting Larry Berner while opposing Prop 6.
Berner, a second grade teacher at Fitch Mountain Elementary, was “outed” as a gay man but did not shirk from that identity. In fact, he embraced it and became a spokesman for the No On 6 forces. He sought out State Sen. John Briggs, who led the effort to pass Prop 6, for a public debate. It was an occasion that, said former teacher Judy Velasques, helped turn the tide against the ballot measures statewide (along with opposition from Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and then-President Jimmy Carter).
Of course a key voice was that of Ozzy Jimenez, the former mayor of Healdsburg during the challenging 2019-2022 timeframe. “Healdsburg Pride is the result of a grassroots movement built by so many people who came before us and those continuing the work today,” he said.
“Through Healdsburg Pride we are working to create scholarship opportunities that support local youth to ensure that every young person feels seen, valued and empowered to pursue their future,” he added.
Though Santa Rosa and other communities in Sonoma county have already hosted Pride events, in Healdsburg all the action is this coming weekend, including a Pride “Movie Night” and a Rainbow Runway show at the Pavilion, followed by a “Tea Dance” for “music, movement, and connection.”
The movie, to be screened at True West Cinemas, will be The Wedding Banquet, which was released just last year and premiered at Sundance. Among its actors is Lily Gladstone, nominated for an Oscar for Killers of the Flower Moon. Co-written and directed by Andrew Ahn, it is a remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 romantic comedy of the same name.
Screenings are at 4:15pm and 8pm, with a “Sip & Soirée” between 6-8pm featuring Korean-inspired bites from Bazaar Sonoma, local wines from Dot Wines, MacRostie and more, plus photo opportunities for attendees—who are encouraged to “dress to impress.”
The next day, Saturday June 13, the Foley Family Community Pavilion exercises its community purpose with events starting at 3pm, following the morning’s Healdsburg Farmers’ Market. The family-friendly event includes free ice cream from Noble Folk and a Resource Fair providing opportunities to connect with local nonprofit organizations promoting access to resources across North County.
The highlight of the afternoon is sure to be the vibrant Rainbow Runway fashion show, celebrating the colorful positivity of the movement. There will also be guest speakers, music, food trucks and conviviality until 5pm.
At 7pm the Community Pavilion transforms into a Tea Dance, with cocktails from Lo & Behold, local wines, food trucks, dance music and a silent auction. General admission is $55; with two drink tickets it’s $75. This event serves as a fundraiser with all proceeds supporting scholarships for the Healdsburg High School GSA Club (Gender Sexuality Alliance).
Healdsburg Pride is a nonprofit under the umbrella of Professionals with Pride, clarified Lise Asimont of Dot Wine. “We are seeking our individual 501(c)3 status at this time,” she said. “We are aiming to broaden our future beneficiaries to the LGBTQIA2S+ community of Healdsburg and Geyserville and will eventually create a foundation for scholarships.”
Further information, sponsorship opportunities and ticket links at healdsburgpride.com.
