Pride Month arrived in full force Saturday, June 8, with more than 2,000 people converging on Pope Marine Park, Port Townsend Pride’s home since 2018. In 2023, Pride brought some 1,500 people to the event, an encouraging sign that Pride in Port Townsend has momentum — and is here to stay. 

Fully dripping in Freddie Mercury swag, PT Pride's MC Drea DiPrete kicked off the event. Fighting the emotions of the moment, they reminded everyone in attendance what Pride represents and that it is important it continue to be celebrated.

“The act of celebrating queer joy is crucial. It saves lives. Not only is this joy our birthright, but this is a celebration in the larger context of the world and what it means to be queer in it. With all of the oppression and violence that our community has faced over time and still faces, this is not just a party,” DiPrete said. “In this world that wants us to fit into one narrow thing, being our most beautiful and expressed selves is an act of defiance, it's an act of bravery, and it's a work of art. You are masterpieces.”

Mayor David Faber followed DiPrete and shared a few words about Port Townsend's diversity and strength before reciting the Pride Proclamation. Also speaking at the event was Michael Lowe, elder and creator of S’Klallam Pride, who delivered the Land Acknowledgement Proclamation. 

PT Pride featured a variety of performances throughout the day, headlined by the frenetic energy of renegade marching band Chaotic Noise. In addition to the concerts, guests were treated to performances by the “Katrina Duall and Friends” Drag Show, and Tyranny's debut drag performance.

True Reckoning, a touring folk duo based in Port Townsend, also performed. Despite touring throughout the region, A.B. McSpadden said this year’s PT Pride is especially meaningful. “It’s one of the first I’ve done since starting medical transition. I’m so grateful to collaborate with my bandmate, Tex, who takes such an honest, fluid approach to art.”

McSpadden added, “For me, performing at Pride is about honoring the beautiful queer and trans community here and sharing heartfelt music that I’m proud of. I know so many of us work hard to cultivate that space, and this festival is a way to celebrate, stay visible, and hold each other.”