Hundreds attended Placer Pride

Placer Pride made a flourishing return Saturday with its second annual event at Royer Park at 190 Park Drive in Roseville. According to PFLAG Greater Placer County President Susan Conforti, attendance saw a 100-percent increase in attendance compared to last year's Placer Pride. The crowd was in the hundreds. "With the recent spate of anti-LGBTQ activity, I think it's really important for us to show that we're here, we're part of Placer County and we're here to stay," Conforti said. Many of Placer County's LGBTQ+ members and allies watched live music and drag performances, visited the various vendor and organization booths and supported the LGBTQ+ community. Roseville Mayor Bruce Houdesheldt and Roseville City Councilmember Scott Alvord showed their support for Placer County's LGBTQ+ community. "Our city has prioritized making our community a welcoming place," Houdesheldt said. "Welcoming you here today is part of that emphasis." Some of Alvord's family members are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Alvord said the challenges they face "include shaming, labeling, misunderstanding, judgment, and unwillingness to have open dialogue and seeking to understand." "I am glad we are all here today, gathered in unity and support," Alvord said. "We embrace who you are and we want to share your contributions to make our community stronger and better." Placer Pride featured numerous musical performances, including Ryan Cassatta and KC Shane. About 10 drag performers performed, lip-synching and dancing to some of their favorite songs, such as "Born this Way" by Lady Gaga and "Firework" by Katy Perry. Drag queen emcee Dome Moore, Shadybee Diamond and more were featured at Placer Pride. Organizations, including Stand Up Placer, Placer Women Democrats, Veterans Affairs LGBTQ+, Placer County, Placer Action Network and Placer County Democrats, provided information and resources to guests. Church organizations were also there to support the LGBTQ+ community, including the Loomis Basin United Church of Christ and its non-religious group, The Landing Spot. The group has recently been caught up in controversy after numerous events, including the cancellation of its drag show at Roseville High School, a video from Project Veritas that was said to be "highly edited" and death threats toward group leader Pastor Casey Tinnin. The Bethlehem Lutheran Church, El Parkis Youth Ministry and Sierra Foothills Unitarian Universalists also attended. Youth organizations also provided resources to Placer's LGBTQ+ youth, including Roseville High School's GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) and Trans and Queer Youth Collective. Vendors sold Pride-inspired merchandise Saturday. Queer Sacramento Author's Collective provided LGBTQ+ novels in a variety of genres, such as romance, fantasy and sci-fi. The Lavender Library sold various LGBTQ+ books of all ages. Dirty Girls Soapery sold scented Pride flag-inspired soaps and bath bombs. Silly Shana's Square sold a variety of products, including jewelry and perler bead art. PFLAG Greater Placer County hosts Placer Pride for the county's LGBTQ+ community and will start planning for the third annual Placer Pride in early fall, according to Conforti. Organizations, vendors and volunteers interested in participating can stay up to date via Placer Pride's Facebook page at facebook.com/PlacerPride2021/ or contact Conforti at 949-241-6146 or placerpride2020@gmail.com.