Tulsa’s ‘Biggest Ever’ Pride Festival Begins Downtown

This year’s Tulsa Pride Festival, which takes place June 25 through 27, is the event’s biggest yet, according to organizers.

The three-day event kicked off Friday with a run and concert with Big Freedia.

Tulsa Pride told News On 6 how much the festival has grown is a testament to the community being more inclusive. Tulsa Pride said what looks like a party is a sign of progress for the LGBTQ+ community.

Kao Morris is the director of Tulsa Pride and said this year's festival has the most sponsors.

He added Saturday's parade will also have many first-time participants, including Walmart, News On 6's parent company, Griffin Communications, and the Tulsa Police Department.

"That's a really good message to send to the community so we can better build these community relations to build a more progressive, inclusive city,” said Morris.

Morris also works for Oklahomans for Equality, which runs the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa. Morris said the center serves about 70,000 people a year, and businesses are noticing the nonprofit's work.

"Anything we can do to rally for them, we need to," said Ashley Ryan, owner of Stash Apparel & Gifts in Tulsa.

Ryan told News On 6 all proceeds from some custom t-shirts and totes her business designed will go to Oklahomans for Equality.

"I think everybody deserves a sense of belonging in their community and feeling welcomed and supported, and I think anything we can do to promote that and use our platform for good, we want in on that," said Ryan.

Stash is also where you can buy some specially-made “Pride” balloon garlands from Balloon Therapy Tulsa, and $25 from the sale of every garland goes to Oklahomans for Equality.

Morris said community support goes a long way.

"They believe in the work that we have for our medical clinic to serve our LGBTQ people who don't feel comfortable going to their primary care, for accessible mental health services we provide here at little to no cost," said Morris.

Tulsa Pride events wrap up Sunday with a picnic at Guthrie Green.

For more information on the festival, click here.