Members and allies of the LGBTQ community of Southwest Louisiana will have the chance to celebrate Pride Month this weekend during the third annual SWLA Pride Fest.

The event is hosted by Pride of SWLA, a community organization supporting and highlighting the local LGTBQ community. Kat Godsey, festival organizer and Pride of SWLA co-founder, said that the SWLA Pride Fest has become a keynote event.

“It’s been really awesome the past couple of years. It’s such a high-energy event. Coming back, it’s almost like a family reunion.”

Last year, hundreds gathered to celebrate Pride. She expects a similar turnout this year.

Events like Pride are vital for the health of local LGBTQ groups; SWLA is no exception. “There has never been a bigger need for it than now,” she said.  “A lot of people look forward to this every year to be able to celebrate pride in their own community. It makes such a standout difference, because there aren’t many other opportunities.”

It can be difficult for LGBTQ folks to find support systems, but Godsey believes Southwest Louisiana is beginning to step up to the plate.

“It’s difficult because we still get our fair share of hate, but we’re seeing so much more support than hate and it really makes a difference to everybody,” she explained. “It means the world to us to see the community coming out of their shell and being more supportive.”

Things are changing, and we are very honored to be a part of that change.”

SWLA Pride Fest will be giving back to Southwest Louisiana, as a portion of the proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA.

Their mission aligns with Pride of SWLA.

“Pride events are crucial in SWLA, especially for our youth,” said Justina Wolford, director of development. “Having a safe space to celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion will help shape them into the best versions of themselves and carry on that healthy mindset throughout their lives.”

Those at BBBS-SWLA have participated in SWLA Pride Fest since their first event, said Erin Davison, BBBS-SWLA chief executive officer.

“I am excited to continue to share our vision that all youth can achieve their full potential. Our vision and mission is inclusive, affirmative and inviting to all who wish to join our village.”

The festivities take place from Friday, June 9, through Sunday, June 11, at Castaways Event Venue in Big Lake, 9585 Big Lake Road.

All three nights will be emceed by the “hostess with the mostest” Erica Matthews, drag performer and member of the planning committee.

SWLA Pride Fest kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, and will continue until the party dies down naturally.

With a $10 cover, celebrators will have access to the show performed by Molly Valentine and a publicly open talent show.

The talent show is free and open to all participants willing to share their skills and abilities. The crowd will choose the winner, who receives two weekend passes, a trophy and a paid spot for the main show on Sunday. The talent show will begin at 9 p.m.

Saturday is Neon Night, and begins at 4 p.m. Participants that wear neon receive a free drink.

Jello wrestling will be the main event for participants. There will be two separate competitions, one at 6 p.m. and one at 9 p.m.

Face painting and a charcuterie art will be available for patrons. There will also be a split the pot, with proceeds benefiting BBBS-SWLA.

The cover is $15.

Friday and Saturday are both adult nights.

Sunday is Family Day. Godsey said the environment will be suitable for every age. “We take care to make sure everything is family friendly.”

Family Day begins at 2 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m.

At 4 p.m., the Catwalk Contest will begin. This was a wildly popular event during the festival’s first year. Participants hop onto the stage and give their best strut while showing off their outfits. The contest is free to enter.

Entertainment on Sunday will include Emcee Queen D, Keisha Seaux Phynne and Taylor Summers. The live show begins at 6 p.m.

The cover charge is $20, with free entry for those 12 and under.

Throughout the event, there will be food trucks and local art and organization vendors.

Weekend passes are $40.

VIP Packages are available for those 21 and older, and will cost $100 until June 8. Beginning June 9, the package is $125.

This will include preferred parking, three drink tokens per day, preferred seating and a VIP Swag Bag on Sunday.

They are available pre-purchase or at the door on Friday. VIP packages are non-refundable.