MARQUETTE — Pride month may be over but celebrations never stop. The UP Rainbow Pride organization is hosting several events this summer to continue to spread the message of equality and raise money for their community.

UP Rainbow Pride is hosting a pride dance July 28th at Marquette Mountain from 9 P.M to midnight.
The 18 and up event will feature a live DJ, giveaways, a bar, and weather permitting, the outside volleyball area. A five dollar donation is asked for at the door and the donations will go toward their Pride fest in September, which they say will be the biggest, most inclusive event for equality.
Donations will also go towards helping members of the LGBTQ plus community.

“And also with the donation as well, is going to allow us to provide more for the community, for the LBGT community and give back and help especially our teens coming up,” said UP Rainbow Pride board member, PJ Stephens.

The event is open to anyone eighteen and over, even if not a member of the LGBTQ community. The dance is meant to bring people together to help spread the message of equality.

“There is a collective responsibility right now in our community, in our LGBT community, as well as with allies to speak up about equality, the needs, the things we would like to be heard about, the issues,” added Stephens.

UP Rainbow Pride is also working on surveys for the elderly members of the community. These grant funded surveys will allow the organization to find out what healthcare resources are needed for the LGBTQ community members.