MONROE COUNTY — At least three Pride Month events have been set in Monroe County to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Here’s where they’ll be:
Milan Pride Parade
The 2025 Milan Pride Parade is set for 3-5 p.m. June 7, beginning at Milan’s Tolan Square. A rally and speakers will be offered from 3-4 p.m. The parade will depart at 4:30 p.m.
“The Milan community will celebrate Pride with a rally at Tolan Square with speakers and in the streets with a parade ending at Neckel Court,” said Laura Russeau, event organizer.
This year’s speakers are Eli Savit, Washtenaw County prosecutor; Felicia Brabec, who is running for state Senate in 2026; and ARC Milan.
“It is important for the community to hear about the current legislative landscape directly from those who represent and advocate for us. It’s as important for us to be seen and to share this common space together. None of us are alone; we are in this together,” Russeau said.
The parade will travel down Main Street to Wabash and end at the back parking lot of The Center.
“The goal of the event is to make sure that LGBTQ+ individuals know that they are welcome, that they belong, not only within the LGBTQ+ community, but as an important part of the greater community,” Russeau said. “Our Milan community is better for prioritizing inclusion and celebrating the strengths that are driven by diverse perspectives. Most importantly, there is support and, no matter who you are or how you identify, your life is precious.”
Sponsors of the Milan Pride Parade include Moving Milan Forward, American 1 Credit Union and Odds & Ends Handyman Services.
“Due to new fees required for all parades in the City of Milan, I am also grateful that a couple sponsors stepped up to save the day. Although there have always been community members who have lent a hand, it is due to the longevity of the event that we were able to build the financial support that we needed this year,” Russeau said.
Monroe County Pride Drag Pageant
The first Monroe County Pride Drag Pageant is set for 7 p.m. June 27 at the River Raisin Centre for the Arts, 114 S. Monroe St. in Monroe. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
The pageant is hosted by Monroe County Pride.
Several will judge, including Reese Johnson of Monroe, Miss Lighthouse Coast 2025, Miss Monroe County 2023, Miss Washtenaw County’s Outstanding Teen 2023 and Miss West Michigan’s Outstanding Teen 2022.
Mocktails, merchandise and 50/50 tickets also will be sold. Security will be provided by Tactical Security Associates. Clear bags only will be permitted. Those who need to bring a medical bag should call the RRCA in advance at 734-242-RRCA.
Organizers hope to make the pageant an annual event. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased through the RRCA’s website.
Monroe County Pride
Monroe County Pride is returning for a fifth year. The 2025 event is set for 1-7 p.m. June 28 at Monroe’s St. Mary’s Park.
“Last year, we had around 1,000 attendees, and we expect even more this year,” said Emily Johnson, one of the organizers of Monroe County Pride.
New this year is a vow renewal ceremony, set for 3 p.m. June 28 on the main stage at the park. An officiant will renew couples’ vows in honor of the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that struck down same-sex marriage bans. Sign up to participate in the ceremony at MonroeCountyPride.org.
Several acts will perform.
“The singer/songwriter performing is Cara Kantlehner,” Johnson said. “There are over 20 local drag performers, and there will be performances from the ‘Shrek’ cast from the RRCA and the ‘Six the Musical: Teen Edition’ from DAG, as well as other local performers.”
Several other activities also will be offered at Monroe County Pride.
Jennie Small from Wisdom Roots Monroe will offer yoga.
“We also have over 25 informational booths, including a mobile health unit, and 28 market vendors,” Johnson said. “We also have a kids’ craft corner and games area, with a sensory tent and a photo area. We’ll also have food trucks.”
Security will be provided by Gambino Protection, Tactical Security Associates and a local law enforcement officer, Johnson said.
Monroe County Pride sponsors include La-Z-Boy, Gigi’s, Planet Fitness, KN Legal, Directions Credit Union and Vivent Health.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Three 2025 Pride Month events set in Monroe County
Reporting by Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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