Pride Month is quickly approaching and Biddeford is ready. Throughout the month of June, the city will celebrate the Biddeford LGBTQ+ community with a variety of events and activities organized by Heart of Biddeford.

Over the past few months, Heart of Biddeford has been working with a Pride committee made up of individuals throughout the city, Assistant Director Abby Leibowitz said.

“We think it’s really important to have a lot of voices around the table,” Leibowitz said.

Kicking off the celebrations is a drag performance from the Curbside Queens at City Theater on Saturday, May 31. This year’s theme is “Planet Pride.”

“It’s always a huge hit. We get a ton of people there,” Leibowitz said. “It’s a great vibe.”

Then, the Pride flag raising ceremony will take place on Monday, June 2, at City Hall, with several key speakers presenting and gathering the community together. On Thursday, June 5, there will be a Pride-themed light-up bike ride with Bike Biddeford Saco.

Local restaurants and breweries will also participate in themed promotions throughout the month, including a Pride beer flight from Lucky Pigeon Brewing.

Biddeford is pleased to recognize Pride Month as a celebration of the diversity, contributions and strength of the LGBTQ+ community, Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman said.

“In Biddeford, we affirm the right of every individual to live openly, authentically, and free from discrimination,” Grohman said.

There is a want and a need for Pride Month celebrations in Biddeford, Leibowitz said, and Heart of Biddeford is dedicated to fulfilling that need.

“We believe that inclusion is really important for creating a safe and welcoming community in downtown Biddeford,” Leibowitz said. “We’re excited to celebrate this year!”

A full calendar of Pride Month events can be found on the Heart of Biddeford website.