Pride is always held in June, known as Pride Month. But this year, due to COVID-19, was originally postponed to Oct. 3. Unfortunately, public spaces are still considered a health hazard, and the event got canceled entirely.

St. Charles Pride was the first-ever pride festival organized in St. Charles County, taking place on May 30, 2015.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community hope the event can take place next year, in 2021. 

“We are all surrounded by our chosen families and immersed in so much queer culture that has been put online, we can pull through this until next year,” junior Sean Bruce said. 

While it is disappointing that pride was canceled, it is obvious that the internet is a safe place for people in the community. Pride is a place where people can come together and embrace each other’s differences. But pride is not just one day a year; pride lives in LGBTQ+ members every day. 

“Pride is important to me because it is a celebration of something that so many people want hidden. It’s a part of who I am and I get to celebrate it,” sophomore Elaine Thimyan said. 

St. Charles Pride is an opportunity for local people to celebrate who they are. This cancelation could affect young LGBTQ+ members who may not be accepted in their personal community. While Pride Festivals are important, it is understood that the health and safety of our community come first.