This Pride Month, St. John illuminated the island with all the colors of the rainbow at an array of events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and promoting inclusivity.
Karaoke at Upstairs Bar St. John on June 8 marked the beginning of the celebration. The bar owners were enthusiastic about hosting the event and demonstrating their support as allies to the LGBTQ+ community.
“We will always do our best to leave no doubt that every single person is accepted, encouraged to be themselves, and confident they are in a safe space. We celebrate them being proud to be their authentic selves. Tonight, we sing a little louder because the fight is far from over, but it goes on, and we are proud to be by your side,” Angela Grosso from the Karaoke Club said.
Other events during the month of June included a Pride Brunch at St. John Brewers Tap Room, which was filled with patrons enjoying the special rainbow waffles. Some took the brunch to the next level by dressing up and making it a colorful experience. St. John Scoops also showed its support for Pride by offering free sprinkles during the first week of June.
Devin Murphy, who has been helping awareness grow on island for the past six years, said, “I’m most excited about the welcome from the business community on St. John.” He went on to talk about the reception from attendees and the wide range of ages. “It’s nice to see everyone feel welcome at these events and come just as they are, Murphy stated. “It’s a time to be proud.”
St. John made sure that Pride Month ended on a high note. Bajo El Sol Gallery hosted a Pride, Love, and Liberation Edition of Rhyme & Lime Poetry Jam on Saturday, providing a safe space for members of the community to speak their truth.
The gallery was packed, with every seat taken. Attendees enjoyed poetry readings from local community members while snacking on small plates prepared by Chef Angel and sipping craft cocktails from a special Pride Menu.
Raven Phillips, coordinator, introduced the event. She spoke about “people whose identities intersect” from her perspective as a bi-sexual, Black woman.
“It shapes the way I move through the world, but it should not divide,” Phillips said. Drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou’s famous quote, she said, “Unless the most vulnerable of us are free, then none of us are free,” Phillips said.
Community members passed around the microphone and took the stage to share their important words. Nyda M. Simmonds, who read her poem, had marched earlier that day in the 2024 Pride Fest at Emancipation Garden on St. Thomas. “I think it was done really well this year and I was happy to see the governor and the Carnival Queen there,” Simmonds said.
The event concluded with guest poet and renowned author Tiphanie Yanique joining in to read some of her powerful poems. Yanique was born on St. Thomas but currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where she is a professor at Emory University.
All members of the community are welcome at Pride events. Include yourself in the line-up next June.
