Cedar Rapids LGBTQ+ Pride 2025

The time leading up to Cedar Rapids Pride this year was different than every year before...

Normally, I am ramping up for Pride the closer it gets. I'd be planning everything I'm going to do. I'd be reaching out to all my loved ones about when/where they're going to be, so I can make sure to meet up with them. But I didn't do any of that this year. Why...? Well, because I was scared.

I was so scared that the political climate would impact this beautiful celebration. So much so, that I was starting to have feelings of dread towards Pride. I was convinced that it would be plagued with protestors and a large part of me was worried there would be acts of violence. I had horrible anxiety arriving at Newbo City Market. I walked on eggshells as I navigated the crowd and made my way inside. I kept waiting for a shoe to drop... and it never did.

There were no protestors... There was no violence... there was only ever what Pride is about... LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE!! Despite political parties that are determined on erasure we, the LGBTQ+ community, SHOWED THE FUCK UP! We showed that we don't care how many people are against us... WE DON'T CARE! Despite how many people try to invalidate or demonize us... We will persevere and we will continue to celebrate ourselves, our loved ones, our history, and our message!!

There were many emotional performances to be seen on the main stage. One notable moment came in the afternoon when, during a break in between songs, singer Nikkie H. expressed her support for her transgender fans and said she won't stop fighting for them. The best moment of the day, in my opinion, came at 3:00pm when the Mayor of Cedar Rapids declared July 12th to be forever known as DJ Lady J day due to her contributions and unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community!!!

Writing this blog post has been an emotional experience. I have cried more than once writing it because I am so DAMN PROUD of this community! If you're reading this know that pride extends to you individually as well! You attended pride despite all the reasons there are to stay home. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!

I hope you all had as wonderful of a Pride experience that I did and I can't wait to see what 2026 has to hold!