Reno gay pride parade
Pride
The University of Nevada, Reno supports Pride!
The University of Nevada, Reno and the Associated Students of the University of Nevada are proud to be a part of Pride in Reno. Pride is both a time of reflection and celebration for LGBTQIA+ identities and the stories they bring to our community.
Whether you are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, we want you to know that Pride is for you. It is our belief that we all need each other to build and sustain a strong community. Unite the Pack for the parade and festival and help us show how our institution welcomes and affirms the identities of all people at the University of Nevada and the community.
Pride apparel and gear
Wear Pride-related apparel and Wolf Pack gear. The Nevada Wolf Shop has a selection of excellent Pride gear. If you would like to stand for your campus organization, club or affiliation, feel free to do so.
Find more information about the Northern Nevada Pride Parade and Festival here. For questions about the University's involvement with Pride, please contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Queer history is Reno history—from internationally famous events like the Reno Gay Rodeo to the establishment of local institutions like Our Center, the Silver Dollar Court, and any number of gay bars and clubs.
However, centuries of pervasive homophobia and legal discrimination acquire kept much of Northern Nevada’s gay history out of the public eye. But in September, which is when our area celebrates Northern Nevada Self-acceptance, we’re spotlighting a few historical milestones with the support of some locals—a scholar, an activist, a publisher and a volunteer.
This timeline draws on insights from Jeffery Auer, creator of the Nevada LGBT Archive; Paco Lachoy, founder of the Reno Gay Pagenewspaper; Meredith Tanzer, who works in Northern Nevada HOPES’ giving department and is a co-director of Northern Nevada Pride; and Janet Mackie, a volunteer for Our Center whose work on chronicling the LGBTQ+ history of Nevada spurred the RN&R to create this timeline.
This list is by no means comprehensive, but in the service of sharing the correct history of Northern Nevada, it’s a start.
Precolonial era
Actual historical records are sparse,
June is pride month. Here's why Reno's parade won't arise until September
June is Pride Month in the United States. The federal government declared June as "Gay & Homosexual woman Pride Month" in 1999 under President Bill Clinton. The month was expanded to "Lesbian, Queer , Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) Pride Month" by President Barack Obama in 2009.
However, Pride Month dates back several decades before it was "officially" known by the government. The first Identity festival march was held in New York City on June 28, 1970, on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.
Here's a watch at why we celebrate Pride Month, what Pride Month's theme is for 2025, and why Reno's pride celebration isn't until September.
What is Pride Month celebrating?
In the premature hours of June 28, 1969, Fresh York City police officers raided the now historic male lover bar, Stonewall Inn. In New York at the hour, homosexuality was considered a criminal offense, and it wouldn't be until 1980 that "same-sex relationships" were decriminalized in the state. At the time, Stonewall Inn was owned by the mafia, who didn't take care about its clientele and often tipped off law enforcement to "illegal" practices, according to t
The Reno Gay Pride Festival
The Reno Gay Pride Festival has been celebrating diversity and equality for two decades. The past festivals have taken place in Wingfield Park. This urban park is primarily an events place that is located partly in the Truckee River. Having an amphitheater with a large grassy lawn made this park great house to the Reno Gay Lgbtq+ fest Festival.
The festival grew in attendance each year making huge advances in spreading an inclusive essence and developing acceptance of the community.
Dozens of unique vendors packed the sidelines of the Reno Gay Pride Festival showcasing their products and services.
The festival's activities naturally accentuate the gay and lesbian community's diversity, however everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the activities.
The official host for accommodations of the festival was Harrah's Reno.