Letter to the Editor: Our Festival Is Canceled; Our Pride Is Not

Out of concern for the health and safety of all community members, Open Door Pride has canceled our fourth annual festival, scheduled for June 27 in Martin Park. We are one of many organizations needing to cancel major events, and our hearts go out to all those impacted.

Although the Pride Festival is the most visible of Open Door Pride’s events, it is just one aspect of who we are and what we do. Our care and support continue, as they always have, 365 days a year. We are here as a resource for those seeking information about LGBTQ+ issues, a community connector and a compassionate listener. We take our mission to heart every day: to promote diversity through inclusion for all.

During this time of Safer at Home and social distancing, many in our community, especially our LGBTQ+ youth and elders, may not feel safe at home. To all of those quarantined in unsupportive homes, we see you surviving day by day, and we are so proud of you. We are here for you. Reach out to us at [email protected]; visit our website; and sign up for our newsletter to stay connected with a supportive community. 

If you know of an LGBTQ+ person who may be feeling particularly isolated, please reach out through a phone call, email or text message. It’s amazing how much a friendly hello can do for those who feel so alone.

We’ve been so grateful for the community’s encouragement for our annual festival. Many local businesses that have supported us so generously since our first Pride Festival in 2017 are currently hurting. Now more than ever, it’s important to shop local and support those businesses so they can continue to make us a diverse, strong and vibrant community.

Though the festival is not taking place, we’re working on alternative plans to celebrate and support the diversity of our wonderful Door County community. We look forward to you joining us.

Open Door Pride 

Signed by members Cathy Grier, James Champion, Cynthia Germain, Steve Makovec, Jerod Santek and Sandy Brown