When working to build community many people take a hands-off approach about giving money or advocating for a specific cause. This is not the case when it comes with the LGBTQ+ Family and Friendship Picnic.
The picnic began as an annual event for LGBTQ+ community members to enjoy an inclusive space for those in need of greater connection with others. “It was for us to come together and meet new people in our community,” says Bev Bostrom, one of the original organizers in 2013. “It was a place for us to be included and serve our community.”
Since its humble beginnings the picnic has evolved as a way to stay together after the Prescott Pride Center closed it doors. “People didn’t want to lose the sense of connection that the center gave them, and it was a way to help stay connected after what was felt as a huge loss,” says co-organizer John Duncan.
The picnic has kept going in Prescott through the years, growing from just a get-together to a more inclusive and open event for LGBTQ+ people and their allies to come together, with 20 vendors ranging from community members to faith organization, nonprofits and health services. “We can finally get together as family, friends and allies to do community things in a supportive and accepting environment,” said Molly Freibott, excutive director of Prism Network, which now organizes the event. “We have been doing this since 2018. We’ve dealt with many struggles over the years, from having a mostly closeted community, to Covid, to unforgiving weather that’s caused microburst winds, but the picnic has been a constant through it all.”
Asked about the dangerous rhetoric that has been thrown at local businesses, nonprofits and community members, Molly says, “We’re aware and concerned, and have for the first time in the history of the picnic included security plans and security personal to make this a safe and welcoming event.” Duncan adds, “It’s more important than ever to stand up and be counted as someone who supports this local community, and show that we won’t let a small, vocal minority make us fearful of who we are. Growing up here in Prescott has taught me that in ‘everyone’s hometown,’ no matter who we are, we all still have to stand up for ourselves and our love for our larger community.”
“By building support for local agencies, nonprofits and community resources, the picnic has turned into more a festival than a picnic,” says Bev, “It’s really something to be proud of.”
From the Pet Pride dress-up contest offering an opportunity to show off your furry family to all the outdoor actives that Granite Creek Park has to offer, like volleyball, trail hikes and dirt-bike ramps, the picnic will be fun for the whole family. Over 20 vendors will provide a sense of the many resources Prescott has to offer, such as inclusive faith organizations, free HIV testing and local nonprofits providing support for everyone in Prescott.
Whether it involves getting something to go from your favorite restaurant or packing your own family picnic lunch, it will be an event that welcomes and includes the whole community.
Also featured will be a memorial table for photos of family and friends who have passed, as a community celebration. “For some of us the only family we have are people in our community, and this table will give us a chance to remember those who can’t be with us, and feel that they are welcome here too.”
The picnic will run from noon to 4pm at Prescott’s Granite Creek Park on Saturday, July 17. For more info visit prismaz.net.
