About Rainbow UA Pride 2022

Rainbow UA is proud to announce this year’s Pride event on June 5 from 1-5 p.m. on the Mallway in Upper Arlington, at 2100 Arlington Avenue. Rainbow UA is thrilled to have the support of many small businesses within our community for a youth focused Pride event. Unlike many other Pride events, this is an alcohol-free event. UA Pride is an event for young children and teens, families, and community members.

This year’s Pride event will include art, entertainment, children’s activities, drag performances, resource tables, and public speakers and performances. The event and all activities outside of the food vendors are offered at no-cost to ensure accessibility regardless of socioeconomic status. This year’s even will include a variety of LGBTQI+ serving organizations including GLSEN, Kaleidoscope, Gays for Good, Equality Ohio, Black Out & Proud, PFLAG, and Black Transmen. LGBTQ vendors including Plenty O’Cookies and Grandview Grind will sell merchandise at Pride. A nationally recognized author will present at Pride as part of a national book tour. There will be fun prizes for kids activities and the best dressed pet contest, as well as a teens tent and a community art project. Entertainment will include a theatrical production, drag shows, student performances, community speakers, and mindfulness activities. Health and wellness organizations such OSU medical center, SARNCO, and Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Ohio will also be on site to share resources and services available. Pride will include food trucks and lots of dessert options.

The LGBTQ+ community, and particularly LGBTQ+ youth, have experienced an exhausting and deflating amount of negative messaging from the controversy over gender-neutral restrooms to the backlash to DEI initiatives in the schools. Now more than ever, it is critical that we provide opportunities for our LGBTQ+ and racially diverse community members and youth to know that they are honored and supported in their identities.

Many parents are struggling with how to communicate and connect with their LGBTQ+ children, and (UA) Pride provides a welcoming, affirming and celebratory space for LGBTQ+ residents, youth, and allies to come together to experience community, learn about valuable resources, enjoy a family-friendly event, and celebrate what makes LGBTQ+ individuals and families a valuable and beautiful part of our community.