Pride Festival Kicks Off With Flag Raising In Doylestown

DOYLESTOWN, PA - To kick off Pride Month in Doylestown, Progressive Pride flags were hoisted into place on Sunday in the courtyard of the Bucks County Administration building and at Broad Commons Park at the Doylestown Borough Hall.

“I have stood under a lot of Pride flags over the years, but this year feels different,” said Marlene Pray, the director and founder of Planned Parenthood's Rainbow Room, a center for LGBTQ+ youth offering weekly education, advocacy and recreational programs in Doylestown and Langhorne for youth ages 10 to 21. “This year, we raise the Pride flag not just in celebration, but in defiance because across the country there are voices growing louder who want to silence us, laws being passed that seek to erase us, bullies trying to overpower us, but never will. Books being banned. Healthcare denied. Classrooms censored, but let me be clear. We refuse to disappear.

Preparing to raise the Pride flag. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

“And every time we raise this flag, we are saying to queer youth that you belong. You are powerful. You are not alone,” Pray continued. “You can pass your laws. You can ban our books. But we are still here. Our joy is political. Our love is revolutionary. And our survival is non-negotiable. To every LGTBQ+ youth across our community, this flag is for you. We are building a world that includes you, protects you and celebrates you. And we will not stop until that world is real.”

Throughout June, the intersex inclusive progressive pride flags will fly above the Bucks County seat and borough hall as the LGTBQ+ community celebrates the county’s diverse community.

The kickoff was organized by Discover Doylestown, Doylestown Pride, Doylestown Borough and the Rainbow Room and launches a month-long celebration of gay, trans and lesbian pride with movies at the County Theatre, an open mic night, and music, all culminating with a Pride Festival Block Party at the end of the month.

After raising the flag above the county’s administration building, Desis Of Doylestown joined with the LGBTQ+ community to share a part of its Holi celebration with members of the LGBTQ+ community by splashing each other with a rainbow of color.

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

State Rep. Tim Brennan taking part in the Holi color celebration. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

A group of volunteers then carried a second Progressive Pride flag from Court and Main to Broad Commons Park where it was raised in front of the Doylestown Borough Hall.

According to Michael Kendrick from Discover Doylestown, the month ahead will be packed with events and activities including movies at the County Theatre, a music festival, and more all culminating with the biggest Pride Festival to date on East State Street.

Pride Month Highlights

• June 5 - The Michener Museum presents a unique and vibrant life drawing workshop when drag performers take the stage as models. Featuring Jenny Henny and Pariah Sinclair, the event invites adults to explore the art of figure drawing, capturing the energy and creativity of drag through various poses and expressions. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, you’ll enjoy a fun evening of sketching, creativity, and connection. Bring your materials or use what we provide - come ready to be inspired and celebrate the artistry of drag. Adults 18+ are welcome to attend the workshops, appropriate for beginners and experienced artists alike. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks welcome. The event takes place from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $35 for members and $45 for non-members.
• June 7 - Free Kid Flicks - a collection of Pride short films - will be shown at the County Theatre on June 7 at 10 a.m. Curated specifically for ages 10 and up, these shorts from around the world feature a wide range of LGBTQ+ identities and experiences in as many unique styles. Schoolyard matchmakers, a Belgian teen, a group of indigenous Hawaiian māhū, and more highlight the power that comes from embracing who you are. Tickets on sale by clicking here.
• June 13 - The Pride Festival presents its first Loud & Proud Showcase from 7 to 10 p.m. at Nomad Supply Company. Doors for the show will open at 6 with the music starting at 7. Organized by Stage United, the concert lineup includes Sell by Yesterday, CAB Ellis and Bren. For tickets visit the Pride Month events page.
• June 18 - The Rainbow Room hosts a Queer Youth Open Mic Night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the TileWorks. The Celebrating Queer Youth Art & Performance is free, fun, and features open mic, live music, pride merchandise and baked goods. Bring a blanket, chairs, snacks, friends, family, love, pride and a commitment to a world that celebrates, protects & fights for LGBTQ+ youth and art. The event is canceled in case of rain. Info: MPray@ppkeystone.org
• June 21 - The Doylestown Pride Festival Block Party takes place on Saturday, June 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on East State Street between Pine and Main streets. There will be live musical performances, vendors and lots more.
• June 22 - The County Theatre presents a showing of film "Sabbath Queen" at 1 p.m. The feature documentary filmed over 21 years follows Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie's epic journey as the dynastic heir of 38 generations of Orthodox rabbis, including the Chief Rabbis of Israel. He is torn between rejecting and embracing his destiny and becomes a drag-queen rebel, a queer bio-dad and the founder of Lab/Shul — an everybody-friendly, God-optional, artist-driven, pop-up experimental congregation.
• June 24 - The movie, “Birdcage,” will be shown at Broad Commons Park. The outdoor screening is presented by the County Theatre and the Moving Pictures Cinema. The movie begins at 8:45 p.m. Gates open at 7:45 p.m. and will begin at dusk (around 8:45 p.m.). Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. A limited number of popcorn boxes ($5 each) and water bottles ($2 each) will be available to purchase at the screening. Bring a chair or blanket as seating will not be provided. Keep in mind that a can of bug repellent comes in handy while watching an outdoor movie.
• June 29 - The Doylestown Dragstravaganza takes place on June 29 at the Hattery. What Sunday isn't made better by drag, cocktails, mocktails, and good fun? Save the date for the 2025 Doylestown Dragstravaganza held at The Hattery!

For complete details and the schedule of events, click here.