The Cleveland Pride, Inc. announced on Thursday that the 28th annual parade, rally and festival has been canceled for 2016.
“We have been entrusted by our community to create a secure parade and festival environment for our LGBTQ brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, friends and allies,” said Todd J. Saporito, president and CEO of Cleveland Pride, Inc. “Because of the changing social climate, Cleveland Pride did not have enough time to engage in the development of awareness programs and training that we believe is critical in today’s environment. Therefore, we regretfully canceled our 28th annual parade, rally and festival this year.”
Cleveland Pride's 28th annual parade, rally and festival was scheduled at a new location and parade route for Aug. 13, with the parade beginning at noon, rally speakers at 1:30 p.m. and entertainers and music throughout the day.
This will be the first year Cleveland Pride will not host its annual event. It has been organizing the celebration since 1989.
“While the specific day of celebration has been canceled, Cleveland Pride, Inc. seeks to remind everyone that Pride is not a one-day celebration, but a daily act of visibility throughout our community. While we may not be marching as a large, unified body, we can come together throughout Cleveland and continue our support of local LGBTQ establishments and LGBTQ community members,” the group said.
The planning team's next step is to give refunds to vendors, sponsors and service providers. A team of board members and lead volunteers will initiate discussion for town hall meetings to continue to map out the program where the LGBTQ community could be able to start creating awareness and training programs for the 2017 celebration.
