6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PRIDE Ypsilanti Pride's big return Ypsilanti Pride is kicking off Pride Month from 4-10 p.m. on June 2 in Depot Town, an event described by coordinator Kenneth Curtis as “a community celebration created with intention and for meaningful connection.” In 2022, organizers took a break — but the group has plans to make a big return this year and continue to grow moving forward. “Before this season of planning, a lot of the board members from previous years decided to leave the board … I was the only person that stayed on the board,” Curtis said. “I’m wearing a lot of hats right now.” Ypsilanti’s weekend of pride events will happen from Friday, June 2 through Sunday, June 4, with the big full day of events taking place on Saturday, featuring performances from LGBTQIA+ identifying regional artists such as DJ Myint, Baddie Brooks and Fearless Amaretto. Curtis is a teacher at EMU Bright Futures and believes that Pride is crucial to show local youth that they can be who they are. “It's so important because our youth is really just so vibrant and outspoken about their rights and what they want to see inside the schools,” Curtis said. “I think that [Pride] is the only way that we could foster that behavior and that mentality LAYLA MCMURTRIE Deputy editor of if you really want something, you have to go fight for it.” Baddie Brooks, a recent graduate of Eastern Michigan University and local trans femme vocalist and trumpeter, will be opening the stage with her original music. As they have utilized music as an avenue to express themselves, Brooks and other Pride performers are a prime example to show youth how important authenticity is. Apart from performers, local vendors at Ypsi Pride will include the Jim Toy Community Center, PFLAG Ann Arbor, Unicorn Feed & Supply, Best in Games, Gay Nerd Goods and Ypsi Art Supply. Other organizations present will consist of a multitude of local nonprofits, retail stores, food, arts and crafts and health and services. Ypsi Pride advertisement outside of Aubree's in Depot Town. Following the events on June 2, there will be after parties at local arcade Best in Games and speakeasy-style bar Mash. On June 3, Keystone Arcade and Bar will be hosting a Pride Afterglow Party. “Ypsi Pride represents authenticity by reaffirming queer culture and drawing thousands of folks each year out to express themselves is a unique Pride freely among friends and family,” Curtis said, urging the community to attend the event. “Ypsi Pride event and highlight!” JUNE 2, 2023 experience. It is authentic, intentional and locally supported. Don’t miss this annual Ypsilanti
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