History of Pride
in Port Townsend
Port Townsend Pride, initially known as Jefferson County Pride, emerged from the momentum of the 2018 Women’s March. During the post-march celebration, attendees voted to allocate leftover funds toward creating a local LGBTQ+ Pride organization. By March 2018, the Jefferson County Pride Board was formed, nonprofit and tax-exempt status was secured, and planning for the first Pride Festival began.
​
Early Events
In June 2018, Jefferson County Pride hosted its inaugural Pride Festival in Port Townsend. The event returned in July 2019 as "Pride in the Park" at Pope Marine Plaza.
​
​​
Rainbow Center and the Pandemic
In March 2020, Jefferson County Pride opened the Rainbow Center, a drop-in space for LGBTQ+ youth and allies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic soon forced the center's closure, canceled Pride in the Park 2020, and shifted the organization's operations entirely online. Throughout 2020, significant restructuring occurred, welcoming new leadership focused on expanding community outreach.
​
​
​​​​
Olympic Pride Rebranding
In 2021, the organization rebranded as "Olympic Pride" and hosted Pride Line, a vibrant gathering of nearly 200 community members waving LGBTQ+ flags along Sims Way. The event raised $10,000 for reopening the Rainbow Center, which later became the Rainshadow Youth Collective. This youth program hosted over 20 virtual and in-person events in 2022 and 2023, including tie-dyeing, felting, art shows, movie nights, and more.
​
​
​
​
Community Outreach and Programs
Olympic Pride actively supported Spirit Day in local schools in 2021 and 2022 by providing over 300 customized purple bracelets to students at Blue Heron, Port Townsend High School, and Quilcene School, promoting visibility and anti-bullying awareness.
Additionally, Olympic Pride funded annual LGBTQ+ senior projects at Port Townsend High School from 2021 to 2023, leading to the creation of the Spectrum Alliance Club, a queer-focused zine, and a student film project. Olympic Pride also continuously supported the Spectrum Alliance Club.
Olympic Pride hosted well-attended Transgender Day of Remembrance events at Chetzemoka Park in 2021 and 2022, honoring transgender individuals lost to violence. The organization also launched an LGBTQ+ book initiative, donating $1,000 worth of queer-focused books to Blue Heron, Port Townsend High School, and Quilcene School libraries.
​
​
​
​
Collaborative and Community Events
Olympic Pride collaborated with the Benji Project in 2022, funding a week-long LGBTQ+ summer camp for Jefferson County youth. They also partnered with Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County for a successful Pride Build with over 20 volunteers.
From 2021 to 2023, Olympic Pride engaged the community at the Jefferson County Farmers Market, distributing thousands of LGBTQ+ flags and pronoun buttons, raising funds through merchandise sales, and promoting positivity with community-painted Pride Rocks.
Other popular events included monthly Drag Bingo at Manresa Castle hosted by Blake Mccabe, a Queer/Trans Pool Party at the YMCA in partnership with Jefferson County Transgender Support Group, and vibrant Pride festivals at Pope Marine Plaza in 2022 and 2023 featuring diverse entertainment, youth activities, and numerous community vendors.
​
Transition to The Production Alliance
In early 2024, Olympic Pride dissolved, passing stewardship of the annual Pride festival to The Production Alliance (TPA). The former President of Olympic Pride joined TPA as the Pride event coordinator, ensuring the continuation of inclusive and celebratory Pride events.
Port Townsend Pride 2024, held on June 8, was a resounding success, attracting 2,000 attendees and over 50 vendors. The event featured the first-ever boat parade, the Prism Regatta sailing event, and outstanding performances, including headliner Katrina Duall's memorable arrival by sailboat. Youth artists Ember Brightheart and Tyranny, musicians True Reckoning, the Chaotic Noise Marching Corps, and local drag duo Bobby4Bobby brought vibrant energy to the festival, brilliantly hosted once again by Drea Diprete.
​
Planning for Pride 2025
Planning for Port Townsend Pride 2025 is already in full swing! We're excited to announce the formation of the Port Townsend Pride Advisory Committee and the Pride Performer Committee to guide and shape the upcoming festivities. We can't wait to celebrate Port Townsend Pride 2025 with our wonderful community!
