PEABODY — Community organizations, local artists and small businesses have planned a trio of events in celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month this June.
Peabody’s Black Box Theater on Foster Street is bringing back the popular Drag Queen Bingo hosted by drag queens Maxine Harrison and Miss Michael on Friday, June 11.
Tickets are $25 and proceeds from the 21-plus event will benefit the North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ Youth (NAGLY). The program will feature prizes and walk-up bar service. Bingo starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.nagly.org.
“We are thrilled to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month in downtown Peabody,” said Tony Leone, NAGLY’s director of community services and engagement. “In 2019, we partnered with Peabody Main Streets and other local organizations to host the city’s first-ever Pride Celebration at Olio’s Event Space and it’s wonderful that this has now become a Peabody community tradition.”
Attendees are encouraged to show their support for small businesses and grab a bite to eat at a downtown restaurant before the show.
“Our local businesses have been through a lot over the past year and these types of events are key to reinvigorating our downtown area as we all work to recover from the pandemic,” said Lisa Geczi, events manager for Peabody’s Black Box Theater, Wiggin Auditorium and Peabody Main Streets.
Pride Week continues on Thursday, June 24, 6 p.m. with an outdoor movie night at the Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main St. with the screening of the film, “Rafiki,” a festival favorite in 2018.
There will be plenty of seating and some snacks, but attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs, blankets, or snacks. Space is limited and registration is required here: https://peabodylibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/pride-movie-night/
The movie focuses on two friends. Despite a political rivalry between their families, Kena and Ziki resist and remain close friends, supporting each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, the two girls will be forced to choose between happiness and safety.
For more information, contact Gabi Toth, senior adult services and public programming librarian, 978-531-0100, extension 17.