In 2008, I was never so happy to find out that Lexington would be hosting a Pride celebration that would move from a farm on its outskirts into the heart of the city. We Are Family was its theme and it is estimated that 3,000 people came to be a part of the family. Lexington will celebrate its 3rd annual Pride festival tomorrow and I took this opportunity to interview Jack Cofer. Jack is a local queer-identified transman and is Vice-Chair of the Lexington Pride Festival Planning Committee.  Below is our interview.

LJ: Why is the Lexington Pride Festival important to the entire community?
JC: Every community should be celebrating its diversity. So far, Lexington has been pretty good about it. The Roots and Heritage Festival is always an amazing success and we even have an underground music festival: Boomslang. Having a Pride Festival for the LGBTIQQA community is crucial to a progressive and growing city – especially one that invests in all of its citizens. The fact that our 2nd annual Pride festival doubled in size (from 3,000 to 6,000), is just one of many indicators that there is a need for this celebration.

LJ: What kinds of activities are planned for this year?
JC: First of all, the entertainment is much more diverse and exciting. Because of funding, we were previously limited to hosting nearly exclusively local acts. This year, two internationally-touring acts are headlining. Nhojj, an award winning “neo-soul” recording artist will perform in the late afternoon and My Dear Disco, out of Ann Arbor, will perform in the evening. There will also be an afternoon performance from the March Madness Marching Band, DJs, a dunking booth, food vendors, informational booths, activities for the kids and fire dancers in the evening. One activity that is sure to be a hit is the “Rock Band” competition. At the end of the day, we’re going to offer the Wii and all the Rock Band parts as prizes in a raffle, so be sure to buy a ticket!

LJ: Was it difficult to find sponsors for the event? What have you noticed about those who were willing to financially support the Pride Festival?
JC: Finding sponsors is never an easy chore and being so young, the Pride Festival is still building relationships with local businesses. On the whole, finding sponsors for the LGBTIQQA community is not very hard. Lexington has some incredible allies.

LJ: How many people are you expecting this year?

JC: Anywhere from 6,000-8,000, if last year was any prediction.

LJ: I noticed that the theme for this year is “A Horse of Every Color.” I know that Lexington is horse country and that WEG is right around the corner, but what is the meaning behind this theme?

JC: The naming of the theme this year was very important to us and you’re right to assume it has many meanings. Believe it or not, the GLSO is trying to plug into the diversity of the LGBTIQQA community. We all realize there has been a disconnect and we want to repair it. Come to the festival and you’ll see that we are trying. WEG is one reason we chose a horse theme. And, we’re invested in Lexington – we’re proud of our city and the people in it. It’s much more than being proud of being out and queer – it’s about being proud of ourselves and celebrating what makes us unique.

LJ: Why should people other than the LGBTIQQA community come out and support the Pride Festival?
JC: Pride is here because you want it to be here. Attendance over the past two years proves it, so come out and support it, because it can’t exist without you. And as a reminder to our heterosexual community: That “A” in the acronym is for you. Be an ally. Come out and celebrate what makes you special. (LGBTIQQA: Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning & Ally)

Lexington‘s Pride Festival will be held on the Courthouse Plaza, 11am – 9pm.