By Amy Leffingwell—
Muncie, IN—Due to safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Muncie Pride will be a virtual event rather than being held at Canan Commons, as originally planned. The six-day event will take place September 14ththrough the 19thfrom 7:00 -9:00 p.m. each night.
“While we are disappointed, this will not be an in-person event. Safety is paramount for participants and attendees,” said Steven Knipp, Pride executive director. “Doing a virtual event is a challenge, but Muncie Pride plans to offer a full range of events. And offering online access will give people with disabilities and those in communities where Pride events have been canceled a chance to participate.”
Each evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m., attendees can visit munciepride.org for social media contests with prizes, musical entertainment from regional artists, educational programming, and resource materials. Attendees can join online as early as 6:30 p.m. for announcements and music by local artists.
As part of this year’s event, Muncie Pride awarded scholarships to two local students. Trevor Lowe, Muncie resident and recent graduate of Muncie Central, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Micah Brown, Dunkirk resident and recent graduate of Wes-Del High School, was awarded a $500 scholarship. The students received their scholarships after a panel of judges reviewed submitted essays on the meaning of the LGBTQ pride flag.
Muncie Pride is partnered with Muncie OUTreach and serves as an organization of LGBTQ+ individuals within the Muncie community dedicated to inclusion, diversity, education, and the sharing of resources.
Muncie Pride is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of donors and sponsors such as IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, the Ball State University Office of Inclusive Excellence, and many others. To donate or learn more, visit munciepride.org.
