LGBTQIA+ Event Saturday In West Chester Is Back On

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County LGBTQ+ advocates are hosting a rally and march on Saturday , Oct. 1, starting outside the historic West Chester Courthouse, 2 N. High St.

The event begins at 2 p.m. and includes a three-quarter mile march followed by a party at Split Rail Tavern, 15 N. Walnut St.

The proceeds will go to the Trevor Project, a nonprofit whose mission is to end suicide amoung lesbian, gay, bisexual, trangender queer and questioning people.

The Saturday pride event was spearheaded by Eddy Foster, a Downingtown resident, and Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell.

The two quickly planned the rally after an original OutFest event was canceled following hate messages being sent to borough council and event planners.

Carrie Stare, president of the LGBT Equality Alliance, based in Phoenixville, said the alliance members were saddened that the first OutFest event in West Chester was canceled. A similar event was held in Phoenixville in the summer.

“This event was a time for those in the LGBTQ+ community to be seen and celebrated, for families to learn that there are many ways to be human, and for allies to advocate for and support all marginalized people, especially the LGBTQ+ community who are too often vilified,” Stare wrote on the nonprofit’s website following the cancelation.

John O’Brien, executive director of the West Chester Business Improvement District, who planned the original OutFest, said he is happy the rally and march is going on.

“This is step one,” he said of the rally and march. “The community needs to come together.”

The event is being held during October, which is the national coming out month. Face painting and drag performances are planned.