Kalamazoo Pride Clarifies Entry Fee Policies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2024

CONTACT:
Tracy Hall, Executive Director
269-349-4234
pride@outfrontkzoo.org 

KALAMAZOO, MI –  On June 3, 2024, a petition was initiated on Change.org calling for OutFront Kalamazoo to release a statement “informing the community that free tickets will be made available to anyone who cannot afford to pay.” 

OutFront Kalamazoo confirms that this policy is in effect and has been since at least 2022, to the recollection of Executive Director Tracy Hall (she/they). Training provided to Pride captains includes instructions to admit everyone regardless of ability to pay. 

“We don’t want people counting pennies to pay for their ticket, or left out because they can’t afford it,” said Hall. “Pride is a celebration of our community, and that includes everyone. If you want to come to Pride, then we want you there with us. We haven’t documented this policy historically, but I know it’s something that we’ve been doing for at least the last few years.”

Kalamazoo Pride is OutFront Kalamazoo’s largest annual fundraiser. Approximately 18% of the organization’s 2024 budget is expected to come from this year’s event. This funding allows OutFront Kalamazoo to offer programs, services, and events throughout the year, most of which are offered at no cost to attend or participate. 

“When you purchase a ticket into Pride, you’re not just getting to see a great show and have a fun weekend with us,” said Hall. “You’re helping to keep our Drop-In Center open for everyone in the community to use throughout the year. You’re funding programs like our Connections Youth Group and Transcend. You’re keeping the lights on at Legacy House. We put your dollars to good use.”

Anyone who is interested in attending Kalamazoo Pride 2024 may pick up a wristband at the OutFront Kalamazoo office through Thursday, June 6, or at the gates during the event. Simply ask the staff member or volunteer for free entry and wristbands will be given, no questions asked. Wristbands are required for all attendees to differentiate between those who are and are not permitted to purchase alcohol (indicated by wristband color), to help the Pride organizers collect important attendance data that will inform future Pride events, and to ensure that crowd size remains within fire code requirements.

OutFront Kalamazoo thanks the organizers of the Change.org petition for bringing the community’s confusion about this policy to light and is committed to continuing internal conversations about increasing transparency about this policy. 

OutFront Kalamazoo is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to create a just, inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment in Southwest Michigan for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.

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