Embracing Change: The Journey of Pride in Small Town Minnesota
As the sun rose on September 14, 2024, Anthony McClellan was filled with excitement and anticipation. For the first time, his small town of Plainview, Minnesota, was hosting its inaugural Pride festival. For many like McClellan, this event represented not only a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity but also a courageous stand against the social pressures and challenges faced by communities across the state.
The spirit of Pride fills the streets in Plainview.
However, leading up to the event, apprehension permeated the community as groups opposed to the festival voiced concerns, urging local authorities to cancel the celebration. They viewed an event centered around LGBTQ+ pride as a divisive act. Despite the threats and pushback, McClellan, along with his co-organizer Annie Jurgens, remained dedicated to making this festival a success, fueled by a desire for acceptance and visibility for those often marginalized.
Small Town Challenges and Triumphs
Plainview, with a population of approximately 3,500, reflects a landscape where acceptance of different identities and cultures remains a contentious issue. The conservative political leaning of the area is evident, having supported Donald Trump with a notable majority during the 2020 election. Moreover, educational institutions in the region have resisted dialogues around gender and LGBTQ+ issues, making the Pride celebration even more significant amidst these challenges.
“We either leave Plainview, or we make this town the kind of place we want to live in,” McClellan shared, illustrating the fierce determination fueling their mission. After years of considering such an event, McClellan and Jurgens recognized that they could no longer wait. They believed that the Pride festival was not just a gathering, but a beacon of hope and progress in an otherwise wary environment.
Attendees eagerly anticipate the joy of Pride.
The Broader Context of Pride in Minnesota
Throughout Minnesota, cities of various sizes grapple with similar complexities in raising awareness and fostering dialogue about LGBTQ+ rights. Small towns increasingly find their voices, with communities like Grand Rapids and Owatonna also hosting Pride celebrations for the first time this year. These events emerge as crucial opportunities for healing and acceptance, allowing underrepresented groups to embrace their identities and stand united.
As Andi Otto, director of Twin Cities Pride noted, “It’s a way for those small communities to see a reflection of themselves.” The sentiment echoes across various townships, encouraging a movement toward visibility and acceptance among residents, even in traditionally conservative areas.
Reflections and Divisive Reactions
The events did not just foster joy but also prompted polarized reactions within the community. While many residents embraced the festival as a celebration of diversity, others criticized it, feeling it introduced outside influences that would disrupt the town’s fabric. McClellan and Jurgens faced threats directed at their businesses, and the anxiety surrounding their safety underscored the very need for such a celebration—making acceptance a visible and vibrant aspect of small-town life.
Co-organizers reflect on the festival’s impact during planning stages.
Celebrating Diversity Through Art and Performance
As Plainview prepared for the event, local talent emerged as a fundamental element in connecting the community through shared cultural experiences. Performers showcased their artistry during the festival’s drag shows, capturing the attention of audiences and spreading messages of acceptance.
Dylan Kaercher, known for his drag persona Roxi Manacoochi, made a significant impact at the event, leading a story hour where he connected with children through age-appropriate tales that celebrated differences. Kaercher expressed a profound purpose behind his performance, stating, “If I would have been able to go to a drag queen story time, I think it would’ve helped me navigate growing up a lot easier.”
Artists prepare to showcase their talents at the Plainview Pride Festival.
Faith and Community Responses
In stark contrast, several local religious groups organized counter-events, such as prayer circles, expressing a desire to protect the community’s traditional values. These gatherings showcased the range of beliefs within Plainview, bringing together those who felt negatively impacted by the festival. Participants expressed concerns surrounding the perceived conflict between Pride events and their understanding of morality. Tiffany Horton of the Plainview Area Christians remarked, “The events that are taking place in town here need God’s touch.”
The juxtaposition of the Pride festival with the prayer circle illustrated the ongoing dialogue in small towns, where celebration and resistance exist side by side. Both events represent a community in transition, navigating through complicated feelings surrounding identity, acceptance, and societal norms.
A Promising Future
Despite the challenges, the Plainview Pride Festival garnered impressive attendance, demonstrating that acceptance is possible even in small-town Minnesota. With hundreds attending and spirited performances that included local vendors and glitter blessings from area pastors, the event was celebrated by McClellan as a pivotal moment for the town.
Celebration filled the air during the drag show, fostering a sense of community.
Looking ahead, McClellan and Jurgens are already planning for next year’s event, aiming for an even larger celebration located in a local park. With the support of initiatives such as a newly established chapter of PFLAG and a grant to foster ongoing discussions surrounding diversity, the momentum generated by this festival may signal a shift toward a more inclusive future.
As McClellan aptly summarized the day’s significance, “This is the start of something so magical here.” In Plainview, the journey towards acceptance is only beginning, fostering a hopeful outlook for the community and its LGBTQ+ residents.
