Jamestown Pride 2026 Celebrates Community, Love, and Equality

By Bobbie Fenno

On June 13, Downtown Jamestown was filled with Pride as community members from near and far gathered to celebrate Jamestown Pride 2026. It was a vibrant day filled with community, entertainment, and a powerful message of unity. This year's theme, "Courageous Together, Proud Forever," highlighted the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

"It's great to see how much Jamestown Pride has grown," said Jamestown Pride President Steven Cobb. Cobb founded the organization approximately seven years ago, beginning with a small picnic in Allen Park. After taking a year off during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event moved to downtown Jamestown, where it has continued to expand into the thriving festival it is today.

The celebration featured keynote addresses from Gayle Petri, the first openly lesbian woman to hold the title of Miss Western New York within the Miss America pageant system, and Juliette Stark, the self-proclaimed "Plus Size Pop Princess of WNY," who has been performing drag since 2022. Both speakers shared messages of authenticity, visibility, and the importance of embracing one's true self.

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a wide variety of activities and attractions, including the local Farmers Market, street vendors, live music, dancers, a costume contest, and multiple drag performances. The festival created an atmosphere where people could celebrate, laugh, connect, and simply enjoy being together in a welcoming and affirming space.

The festivities continued into the evening with Pride After Dark, a burlesque and drag revue held at Sneakers Bar, providing an energetic finale to a day already filled with excitement and celebration.

More than just a festival, Jamestown Pride served as an important reminder of the value of community and inclusion. At a time when many LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face discrimination, exclusion, and attacks on their rights, events like Jamestown Pride offer a visible and joyful affirmation that everyone deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

About the Author

Bobbie Fenno

Bobbie Fenno (She/Her) joined as a contributing editor in 2025, but has been involved with Erie Gay News as a folding volunteer previously. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor's degree in Business, a certificate in Project Management, and an Associate's in Information Technology. Bobbie is also an active member of the LBT Women of Erie group and was also a board member for the NWPA Pride Alliance for four years (2021-2024).