SEATTLE — As Seattle prepares to commemorate 50 years of LGBTQIA+ Pride celebrations in June, Seattle Pride, MOHAI, and GenPride kick off the countdown with Objects of Pride: A Queer Antiques Roadshow – an entertaining trip down memory lane from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27 at Seattle’s only LGBTQIA+ senior center, GenPride Center (1519 Broadway), on Capitol Hill.
“This year’s anniversary of honoring Seattle’s rich LGBTQIA+ history is so important to us,” said Seattle Pride Executive Director Patti Hearn. “What better way to celebrate than gathering community and sharing stories of our history? We are so excited to shine a light on symbols of love, progress, and equity.”
The free all-ages event is a fun take on TV’s popular Antiques Roadshow, with a queer twist. The public is invited to bring their favorite artifacts, memorabilia, or photos capturing queer life – and have them reviewed by MOHAI’s Executive Director Leonard Garfield and Chief of Exhibits and Interpretation Devorah Romanek, who will discuss the items and their historical significance. Artifacts will also be donated by Come Out Seattle, a project that highlights queer watering holes from a bygone era that welcomed early queer Seattle residents.
Attendees are invited to share personal stories and connections to their queer keepsakes through an audio/video booth and can peruse a gallery of curated LGBTQIA+ memorabilia which will remain on public display at GenPride Center through April 12.
“MOHAI is honored to join forces with Seattle Pride and GenPride to commemorate such an important milestone for both the LGBTQIA+ community and the city of Seattle,” said Garfield. “This event is an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come, think critically about where we are now, and plan for the next 50 years and beyond.”
The event will commence with an exploration of Seattle’s queer history through the decades, led by Garfield. This will be followed by a conversation facilitated by writer, storyteller and AIDS Memorial Pathway curator Rosette Royale honoring the people and places which helped to expel shame, create unity, honor diversity, and achieve equal human rights.
Objects of Pride: A Queer Antiques Roadshow Event Schedule
11 a.m. – Welcome & Opening Remarks: Jaime Husmillo (GenPride) & Patti Hearn (Seattle Pride)
11:10 a.m. – Pride in Seattle through the Decades: Leonard Garfield (MOHAI)
11:20 a.m. – Moderated Conversation: Rosette Royale & Legacy Holders
11:45 a.m. – Closing Remarks & Seattle Pride 50th Anniversary Announcements: Patti Hearn (Seattle
Pride)
Objects of Pride: A Queer Antiques Roadshow launches a call for digital submissions through April for MOHAI’s upcoming return of its expanded online showcase, Objects of Pride, which runs mid-May through July 4 in recognition of National LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in June.
“As we celebrate and honor the lives lived and lost over the past 50 years of Seattle Pride through memorabilia and photos, we recommit to supporting the people who helped secure the rights we have today,” said GenPride Executive Director Judy Kinney. “Join us in commemorating the past and creating futures where LGBTQIA+ elders live with the community, care, and brilliance they deserve.”
The event also includes a preview of this year’s Seattle Pride 50th anniversary festivities including the theme, performers, grand marshals, and more.
Seattle Pride is the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that produces the Seattle Pride Parade, Seattle Pride in the Park, and other queer arts and culture events, as well as providing grants and sponsorship support to community-based LGBTQIA+ serving organizations statewide.
To learn more about Seattle Pride and Pride-related events, grants, and programming, visit www.SeattlePride.org; subscribe to our e-newsletters; and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn @SeattlePride.
