Dear Friends,  

Longmont? Is there LGBTQ Pride in Longmont?

Here's a bit of Longmont history: A Gill Foundation grant to explore the needs of LGBTQ people in Boulder County funded a meeting in Longmont held at Proto's Pizza back in the late 90's. Facilitators were expecting 20 people, but about 80 showed up. Out of that gathering, the Longmont potluck group was established. We met initially at the Our Center, then moved to First Congregational Church at 9th and Francis. We held a Pride in the Park June event in 1999; I remember nervously inquiring at the Longmont City offices if we would need a permit for our event (only if we had amplified music, the bored clerk told me). Since then, the June event moved after a few years at Thompson Park, then to July at the picnic shelter at Sunset Pool, and in 2009, to the pool itself.

This year, the Longmont LGBTQA Pool Party will be held on July 15, 7-10pm. We invite all to come, including allies. We especially welcome the under 25's and over 80's, who will be our guests for the evening. All others, we ask to donate $5-10 to cover expenses; funds raised beyond that will go to Out Boulder. You can bring a potluck dish if you like. Drinks and paper service will be provided. We have the pool to ourselves, and there are two great waterslides. No smoking, glass or alcohol, please.

Pride at the Pool, and yes, there is Pride in Longmont!