The organization is providing free HIV testing, prescriptions for PREP (an HIV prevention medication) and free COVID-19 vaccines due to the lack of healthcare accessibility, “especially for minorities and people of color,” Vice President Ryan Tomlinson said. Because of this, OKC Pride Alliance emphasizes intersectionality and resource accessibility. The COVID-19 pandemic paused the parades last year-and instead June saw major civil unrest after several instances of police brutality against members of the Black community. OKC Pride Alliance will bring back OKC Pride Fest and other events in June 2021. “In a world full of hate, it is celebrating and honoring the trailblazers who came before us and made Pride a reality- as well as those who fight to keep Pride going.” “Pride to me means a celebration of human progress: celebrating who we are, and being proud of who we are,” UCO student Olliever Buchanan said. The month long celebration reflects on the historical adversities minority groups have sought to overcome.
If April showers bring May flowers, then June brings rainbows.