Reba Rose Rau performs for the crowd at Three Rivers Pride, held Saturday, June 29. (Frank Stanko | Watershed Voice)
A pride festival on Main Street, Three Rivers, was something the future Monique Madison never expected to see while growing up in Sturgis. On Saturday, June 29, Monique was one of several drag queens entertaining the downtown audience during Three Rivers Pride.
“Isn’t it gorgeous having drag queens on Main Street?” Monique asked the enthusiastic crowd. “This is a big achievement!”
Estimates for the amount of people attending Three Rivers Pride were not available as of 1 p.m. Monday, July 1. What can be confirmed is that participating organizations, performers and vendors appreciated having a safe, positive, inviting and welcoming experience.
“I’m here to support my mom, my boyfriend and my friend,” Kaylynn Sage, Three Rivers, said.
Supportive environments and loved ones are necessities for the LGBTQIA+ community and for society as a whole. Three Rivers Pride allowed guests to learn about outlets for better mental and physical health, creative or spiritual expression, or just fun.
“We’re preventing suicide for youth and beyond,” St. Joseph County Suicide Prevention Chair Sydney Herman said. “We were formed in 2021 and since then, it’s been many community members, whether it’s professionals or just anyone that’s interested, providing resources or holding and taking part at events.”
Checking out the scene on Main Street or greeting visitors at our booth, Watershed Voice photographed some Three Rivers Pride highlights.