The Progress
Pride Month, the month of June, has never had much public observation in the Mesquite community in the past. But this year a local group is seeking to change all that.
A group of Mesquite residents calling themselves Love, Family is planning a first-ever Mesquite Pride Family Night on Friday, June 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at the Mesquite Recreation Center outdoor pool located at 100 W. Old Mill Rd.
This event offers a fun and relaxing pool party for the whole family. There will be plenty of food, music, vendors and even fun activities for the kids. All are invited.
“I want to stress the importance of the fact that this event is not solely intended for the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Mesquite resident Dana Long during a public comment at a Mesquite City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 8. “Rather it is an opportunity for everyone to learn, feel welcomed and to socialize as equal residents of Mesquite. I hope that you will all consider stopping by and joining in on the fun.”
In a statement to The Progress last week, Long said that the idea for the event began early this month when local residents had inquired on social media whether any Pride Month events were being planned.
These questions invoked a range of opinions, some in support and others less supportive, Long said.
“I was quickly made aware that there is an absolute need for more educational resoures for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Virgin Valley,” Long said. “I immediately had a multitude of people reach out seeking information to support their children and wanting to share their stories.”
Long said that she was moved by these people’s willingness to connect, and even to support a local Pride event, something that had never happened before in Mesquite.
“I quickly reached out and set up a meeting of like minds,” Long said. “Five local people sat down to outline and start planning an event. We knew it needed to be done and that it would be the start of a very positive direction for the community.”
Long told the City Council last week that the goal in planning the event is to provide education and resources for both youth and adult residents to foster greater understanding and acceptance.
“And most importantly, a sense of pride in knowing that we live in a town that provides support for all of its community members,” Long said. “This type of support in a town of this size is crucial to the success and well-being of our youth.”
Long hopes that this event will be a kickoff for an ongoing community outreach effort. The newly formed Love, Family group is in the process of obtaining a non-profit status as Mesquite’s first LGBTQIA+ organization.
“We are already busy creating this nonprofit, planning future events,” Long said. “And we are hopeful that locals will partner with us for a more unified Mesquite.”
For more information about Love, Family, the upcoming Pride Family Night event, or to find out ways to volunteer to help, email Long at lovefamilynv@gmail.com.
