New Pride event in Sandusky

SANDUSKY — For Mindy Billingham, LGBTQ+ pride means belonging. So when Billingham learned that the annual Sandusky Pride event wouldn't return this year, she decided to help plan an event to take its place. "I've only been here a couple of years," said Billingham, a Sandusky resident. "But the fact that there was a pride in the first place is one of the things that made me feel like it was safe to be here. So I really want to be able to provide that for other people." Billingham is part of a group of 10 community members behind Shoreline Pride Sandusky, a new LGBTQ+ pride event happening this summer. The group became aware this past March that organizers of previous Sandusky Pride events would not be hosting another festival. So Shoreline Pride Sandusky began planning its own event in April. The event, scheduled for June 22, begins with a parade through downtown at 11 a.m. followed by a gathering at Shoreline Park, 411 E. Shoreline Drive. "Because of time constraints and it's our first year, we are doing a scaled-back event," Billingham said. "We have a DJ lined up, some kids' games, a face-painter and hopefully some snacks and ice cream for attendees." A different look "It is not going to be quite the party," Billingham said. "We aren't selling alcohol, people are welcome to bring their (alcoholic) drinks, but it's going to have a little bit different tone." Despite this change, she thinks the event's purpose will remain clear. "The goal of this event is to reaffirm a sense of belonging and safety and community for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies," Billingham said. "At the end of the day, what I want is for people to feel community and connection." The future of pride It's unclear if the organizers of Sandusky's prior pride events, hosted every year for the past several years, intend to bring their event back or if its absence will be permanent. Nikki Lloyd, a main organizer of Sandusky Pride didn't respond to a request for comment. "Myself and the other organizers feel strongly about how important it is to have a pride event," Billingham said. "So if they decide to step back long term, I think there will be someone to step forward." Visit shorelinepridesandusky.com for more information on Shoreline Pride Sandusky,