KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A fun tradition that attracts crowds of people and helps kick off Pride Month will return on June 2 — Pride Night.
The event is the result of a partnership between Knox Pride and Zoo Knoxville. Together, organizers said the event provides a safe place where LGBTQ+ people and LGBTQ+ families can enjoy an evening together, surrounded by people like them.
"It's our largest fundraiser of the year. I think a lot of people think that Knox Pride Fest is the largest fundraiser, but we make just enough money to cover the bills for that event. So, being the largest free Pride in the South, and being situated in Appalachia, we want to make sure that everyone has access to Pride Fest," said John Camp, the President of Knox Pride.
He said staff at Zoo Knoxville help decorate ahead of the event, showering the zoo in rainbows and colors representing different LGBTQ+ identities. He also said this year, Knox Pride will receive the majority of profits from the event — helping pay for the community center and its services throughout the year.
"We're always looking for safe community partners so that the queer community and allies can have time together and not feel persecuted, and not feel like they have every eye watching them. If you are a same-sex couple holding hands, or a family, and you just want to have a 'normal experience' — the zoo is a private event," Camp said. "You're going to the zoo like you would any other day. But on top of that, you're going with people who are like-minded. You're going with your community. So, you're sharing that fellowship together, and it's a safer experience."
The nonprofit's annual Pride festival is usually held in October and is set to start on Oct. 4 this year. Throughout the year, Knox Pride also organizes a variety of mutual aid and community support programs. Recently, it partnered with Second Harvest to distribute thousands of pounds of food. It also operates a community fridge, while also working to help homeless youth and organizing a variety of support groups.
"So, Knox Pride Night at The Zoo is our largest fundraiser and a really integral part of our budget for the year," Camp said. "You're not having to worry about outside influences of the world for a night. You're just able to be who you are and enjoy the zoo, which is not something everyone in the queer community gets to access every."
Tickets for Pride Night at the Zoo cost $25 per person. The event goes from 6 p.m. through 9 p.m. on June 2.
Knox Pride is also organizing a silent disco with SoKno Pride. It is set to kick off on June 1, from 6:30 p.m. through 9:30 p.m. That event is free to attend and offers a coffee and food bar, and will be held at the South Press coffee shop.