A large turnout for Cook County Pride Rally & March

 The Cook County Pride Committee held a celebration in Grand Marais on Saturday, June 26, inviting the community to “Celebrate in Solidarity.”

Cook County Pride Committee member Lindsey Gau was thrilled to welcome a record crowd of about 150 people to Harbor Park in downtown Grand Marais but had a special message as the event got underway. Lindsey reminded the crowd that this event was being held on lands that once belonged to the Anishinaabe.

There was music. Ann Russ started things off on guitar with We Are Going to Change the World, with some modified lyrics on which the crowd sang along. Musician Ben Nichols sang four meaningful songs-Show Me Love by Robyn, Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Simon and Garfunkel, Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield, and Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga.

Several community members came forward, with speaker Mary Lou Fellows reminding all of the struggles against government indifference during the AIDS epidemic and asked all to continue to work toward equity in health care. She also stressed the importance of being there for the youths in our community.

Ellen Seltz spoke and although she was wearing a fun and funky Pride vest, said she had only participated in one other Pride event, the boisterous affair in the Twin Cities. She spoke of not “fitting in” and of the complexities of being a member of the Pride community.  She asked some very thought-provoking questions of the crowd of LGBTQ+ people and allies.

Another speaker, Matthew Baxley also encouraged everyone to question—and to listen. And, for this day, to celebrate.

There was music from Ben Nichols and some high-energy, joyful dancing with a group led by Angel Kelly.

That was followed by a march down Wisconsin Street, up Broadway Avenue, and back to Harbor Park, a long troupe of people bearing rainbow flags and banners with messages of Pride.

Back at Harbor Park, there was another song by Ben Nichols, a beautiful rendition of Lady Gaga’s Edge of Glory.

That was the end of the official activities, but music and sharing continued for a while. It was noted that the Cook County Pride Committee would like more members. Anyone with questions, as well as those hoping to organize next year’s expanded events, are encouraged to contact Nora Huxtable at [email protected].

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence was at the 2021 PRIDE Rally & March.  She shares this report.