Big Sandy LGBT+ Safe Zone to host Pride Picnic in Floyd County

PRESTONSBURG — The Big Sandy LGBT+ Safe Zone, Inc. is hosting a Pride Picnic on Monday, June 24th. The event will be held at the Dewey Dam Spillway at Shelter #4.  

Kyle May, president and founder of BSSZ, said the picnic came about because a community member suggested having a Pride Picnic so that the community could come together and have fun while getting to know the board members (leadership of the organization/those representing the area and community) and to network with one another.

“We know that socialization with other people who identify as LGBT+ or as an ally is important for people within the LGBT+ community, particularly those in rural communities, because of the strong feelings of loneliness and isolation experienced by people,” May said.

BSSZ will have balloons marking the shelter to help identify at which location we will be gathering.  

The picnic will begin around 6 p.m. and last until approximately 8 p.m.  BSSZ will be offering FREE pizza and other foods/nonalcoholic beverages.  

There will be games, activities, and plenty of time to socialize with each other.  The BSSZ Pride Picnic is a family-friendly event open to the general public, including, but not limited to, people who identify as LGBT+, friends and family of people who identify as LGBT+, and allies of the LGBT+ community.  

The Pride Picnic is important to have because it allows people in LGBT+ community to know that they are not alone, said May. It also emphasizes the fact that we belong in communities no matter where we live.

“I have noticed that LGBTQ+ acceptance has been evolving in Eastern Kentucky,” he said. “There are more LGBTQ+ resources making their way into the area and there are more people confidently and visibly supporting the LGBTQ+ community.”

Folks are more than welcome to bring sealed foods or supplies if you would like to contribute, however, it is not necessary.  For more information, please contact BSSZ at bigsandysafezone@gmail.com.