GLBT Film Festival Starts Tonight in Roanoke

Just a reminder, the Pride in the Arts International GLBT Film Festival kicks off tonight at the Shadowbox Cinema, 22 Kirk Ave., in downtown Roanoke. First up in this three day event is the documentary, "Woman in a Man's Suit", about the life and music of critically acclaimed transgender singer/songwriter Georgie Jessup, "what would you risk to be yourself?"

Georgie will be on hand performing her music after the film. There will be an opening night party with a cash bar until 12 midnight.

Roanoke's first ever GLBT film festival continues through the weekend with matinee and evening shows featuring other independent GBLT films. See the Pride in the Arts website for more details. Tickets are just $7.

Georgie Jessup will also be performing at Saturday's 2nd Annual Rally for GLBT Equality as our opening and closing act. The rallt takes place at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke from 10:45 am to 12:15 pm. I'll be taking on the hosting duties. Can't wait to see you all there

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Trans Singer/Songwriter Georgie Jessup to Appear at Roanoke's Rally for Equality

I am thrilled to announce that Native American/Trans Activist/Singer-Songwriter Georgie Jessup has agreed to perform at Roanoke Equality's 2nd Annual Rally for GLBT Equality on Saturday, June 26th at Elmwood Park. The rally will take place from 10:45 a.m. - 12:15p.m. near the Franklin Rd. entrance.

Ms. Jessup will be in Roanoke appearing at the Pride in the Arts International GLBT Film Festival and has agreed to be the opening and closing act for our rally as well.

The film festival will be taking place over three days at the Shadowbox Cinema. Jessup is featured in the documentary, "Woman in a Man's Suit". The film is just one of five independent queer films being screened over the weekend of June 25 - 27. Tickets are on sale now at the Pride in the Arts website at just $6 each for advance purchase and $7 each at the door. Additional discounts apply if you purchase tickets for all five films.

This is the first ever event of it's kind in Roanoke and I am so thrilled that Stonewall Society founder, Len Rogers has brought us this gift.

One of the things that has long been missing in Roanoke is some sort of recognition of the Stonewall Riots, which took place 41 years ago this month. The very first "Pride Parades" were, in reality, Gay Liberation protest marches held in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco on the first anniversary of Stonewall, 40 years ago. The film festival and rally are two great ways to celebrate our history of activism, our acheivements and the artistic contributions of queer artists to American culture.

Mark you calendars, buy your tickets and come out and express your queer spirit!

Eve Ziebert of The Washington Post described Georgie Jessup's sound as "... cold soul, thrill-seeking, Motown social-conscience funk." Check out Georgie's music for yourself at her website.

If you are unfamiliar with Len Rogers and his 40-year history of activism and promotion of GLBT artists, there is an excellent article at the blog, Jed Central that appeared Wednesday, chronicling his career and highlighting the Pride in the Arts International Film Festival. Check it out.

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Roanoke Pride Releases Schedule of Weekend Events

Roanoke's annual Pride in the Park celebrates 20 years of LGBT pride this weekend. Beginning as a small event that barely registered any notice, last year's attendance was about 6,000. Not bad for a small southern city that time forgot.

The Roanoke Pride Committee has released the following schedule on its FaceBook Page. I'll be there taking pics, catching up with friends and maybe getting an interview or two for the blog. Please step up and say hi.

Roanoke Pride 2009 Schedule

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of ROANOKE PRIDE, PRIDE is a WEEKEND long event!

Thursday, September 17-Sunday, September 20

Plan NOW to attend! Spend the weekend in Roanoke!

Thursday, September 17
7:00 p.m. Drag Bingo at the Drop-In Center (369 Church Ave. SW)
9:00 p.m. Pride Celebration at Backstreet Cafe (365 Salem Ave. SW)

Friday, September 18
7:00 p.m. "Far From Heaven" movie at MCC of the Blue Ridge (806 Jamison Ave. SE)
9:00 p.m. Kick-Off Party at The Park Night Club (615 Salem Ave. SW)

Saturday, September 19
7:00 a.m. PrideWorks Community Service at Elmwood Park (760 S.Jefferson St.)
We'll gather at Elmwood Park and divide into teams to go to our service sites (one is construction, one is cleaning up outside, and one is an indoor activity for persons with allergy/mobility/preference issues). The activity is free, but tegistration is required and available on our website: www.roanokepride.com
5:00 p.m. Dinner at Macados Restuarant Downtown (120 Church Avenue SW)
(You're responsible for paying for your own dinner and drinks)
7:00 p.m. "Stonewall" movie at MCC of the Blue Ridge (806 Jamison Ave. SE)
9:00 p.m. Pride Party at The Park Night Club (615 Salem Ave. SW)

Sunday, September 20
10:00 a.m. MCC of the Blue Ridge Pride Worship Service at Elmwood Park (760 S. Jefferson St.)
11:00 a.m. 20th Annual Pride in the Park Festival at Elmwood Park (760 S. Jefferson St.)
9:00 p.m. Closing Party at The Park Night Club (615 Salem Ave. SW)

For more information, be sure to regularly visit our website:
www.roanokepride.com

Be sure to register for our email listserv to stay updated about LGBTQIA events in the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

Registration is available on our website: www.roanokepride.com