Pride events continue to grow in Kern County
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The start of summer brings quite a special celebration; Pride Month in Kern County.
Some are ready to kick off the festivities.
'To have a place where you can also just step aside and realize where you are in this point in time and who you are with everyone else around you, that's the most important part,' said Victor Gonzales with Bakersfield Museum of Art.
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Though many might think pride would take a step back because of anti-immigration protests around the state, the queer community says now is the time to stand stronger.
'I don't see it as being as quiet. Every day I see a new event popping up all over social media or friends telling me about it,' said Gonzales. 'Now is the time to not be shy about expressing who you are or having your voice heard.'
In the 7th edition of Art After Dark's Pride celebration, up to 800 attendees are expected.
Partnerships have almost doubled compared to past years.
'In the past years we've had close to nine community partners…now it's up to 17,' said Gonzales. 'It's also a testament to how many people are participating with us, that want to be with us and want to be celebrating this event too.'
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The party doesn't stop there.
Tehachapi's LGBTQ is coming back for its second year of pride events; click here to learn more. Online events are also ongoing through the month for anyone to join across the county.
'We are here, we are like everyone else, we have our own voices and let's celebrate who we are here,' said Gonzales.
To learn more about Art After Dark, click here. For more events, visit The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity by clicking here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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