Lexington’s 17th annual Pride Festival is Saturday. Jason Schubert is the board president of the Lexington Pride Center. He said the most important change this year is that they’re back outside – on Oliver Lewis Way, between High Street and South Broadway. Schubert said the move had nothing to do with DEI crackdowns by the General Assembly and Trump Administration.
“The festival is one of the largest in Lexington, and so when we were downtown at the Courthouse Plaza, it's a small space, and we didn't fit anymore, was part of it, so we moved to Central Bank Center. And then, you know, there were a lot of perks of being inside, but also a lot of drawbacks.”
Schubert said the other big new item will be the festival’s first parade. While some organizations have pulled out due to DEI backlash, Schubert said others have stepped in.
“We have more vendors than the last two years, and we are just about even with sponsors. So you know, some vendors are back, some vendors aren't. Some sponsors are back, some aren't. You know, it happens every year, no matter what's happening politically or culturally.”
Schubert said some sponsors increased their donation this year and others contacted organizers to ask how they can help.
