Jonesboro, AR- Pride month is here meaning tons of events to celebrate are being held right her in the Natural State.

An event held by NEA Progress is held every year in Downtown Jonesboro, called PRIDEfest. Where people get to celebrate who they are.

Chloe Rush, Vice President of NEA Progress says, “our plan is to have it on June 10, it’s going to be an all day event. We will have live music, food trucks, local and national vendors. Both drag and talent shows. We’re going to have the Being Queer in Arkansas Panel where an audience can ask questions..”

Rush continues by saying they’re will be some prepared question the panel will answer.

During PRIDEfest their will be kits that have board games and coloring pages, so guest who may be overstimulated are able to calm down, and refocus.

But before PRIDEfest there is a week full of events, to celebrate Pride Month:

  • Sat. June 3: PRIDE Prom
  • Sun. June 4: PRIDEfest Queer Church
  • Mon. June 5: Hijinx PRIDE Night
  • Tues. June 6: PRIDEfest Trivia Night
  • Wed. June 7: Hangout at the Porch
  • Thurs. June 8: NEA PRIDEfest Pageant
  • Fri. June 9: Rest up for Pridefest
  • Sat. June 10: PRIDEfest
  • Sun. June 11: NEA PRIDEfest Brunch w/ a special guest

There will be two awards given out NEA Ally award and the NEA Icon award, which will be given out later in the night.

Rush tells me they helped pick out the drag queens, for PRIDEfest and says to expect some really great performances.

In planning of this years PRIDEfest, NEA Progress was scared after SB43, a bill that originally would have made the event be hosted indoors and be for people eighteen years of age or older. Making them to have to hold an emergency meeting to create plan B.

Rush told me, “SB43 was at first scary, we had to you know hold an unplanned meeting to discuss it… because the original draft of legislation would have effected us.” They continued on by saying, “Luckily it has been re-written and now it will not effect us, legally.”

Rush says unfortunately they still may have to worry about other citizens causing a ruckus over it, but they’re hoping nothing like that will happen.

This is the third year they’ve held PRIDEfest and their hoping to do more in the future.

Rush says that if you’re not feeling accepted, just know that you’re loved.

If you’re experiencing harmful or suicidal thoughts you’re urged to call the suicide hotline at 988.