By Taylor Hale
STEVENS POINT – Over 3,000 guests came out to celebrate diversity and LGBTQ+ awareness during Point Pride on June 12.

The event returned to an in-person format after shifting online last year due to COVID-19.

The event saw a slew of performances throughout the day, including an event kick-off, and a “So you think you can drag?” amateur drag queen show, giving first-time queens a safe space to dip their toes into the drag world.

The event is hosted by Point Pride and sponsored by CREATE Portage County, Portesi’s Pizza, Agora Makers Market, and Brody Designs. Point Pride founder and lead organizer Ryan Goszkowicz said the event went off flawlessly, with a larger turnout than expected.

“A lot of our food trucks and beer trucks sold out by the end of the night, there were a lot of families and kids. It was the best-case scenario,” Goszkowicz said. “I am elated with how well everything went.”

Point Pride merchandise sold out within hours of the start of the event, with all profits being put towards next year’s program.

“Due to the overwhelming support we got from the community, there is no option but to have another event next year,” Goszkowicz explained. “As long as I am in charge of it, it will get bigger and better each year. My dream is to give the other local events a run for their money. All I need is a few more days and some fireworks.”

Goszkowicz co-hosted the event and introduced performers as drag queen Sissy LaLa, with co-host Bryanna Banx.

The Point Pride staff see the event as a way to encourage inclusiveness and educate the public on LGBTQ+ rights and awareness. While this year’s Point Pride event may be over, Goszkowicz is already hard at work gearing up for next year’s Point Pride gathering.

“We are going bigger next year for sure,” he closed.

To learn more about Point Pride, visit: http://stevenspointpride.com/.