National Pride Month is packed full of fun events in St. Louis but the last weekend in June definitely has the most to offer. PrideFest 2014 kicks off on Saturday, June 28 and that evening ALIVE throws one of our most anticipated parties of the year, the ULTRA White Party.
This year, ULTRA will be the best yet. One of the many reasons is our distinguished ULTRA hosting committee, a crew of local LGBT influencers, supporters and friends, all united behind one great goal. The entire group will rally around the mission to promote equality in Missouri and raise $3,500 for PROMO Missouri through ticket sales to the ULTRA White Party.
We pulled together some of the hosting committee for a mini-interview to talk about PRIDE in St. Louis and why they’re excited to attend ULTRA and celebrate equality for all Missourians.
ALIVE: What was one thing you loved about ULTRA last year and what’s one thing you are excited about this year?
Darin Slyman, CEO + Publisher of Vital VOICE: You simply can’t miss out on the amazing and beautiful venue!
Kristen Goodman, Entertainment + Events Professional, Performer: I’m looking forward to the lanterns!
Gabriel “Gabby” Moore-Souza, Casting Director: I am looking forward to a great event, filled with the familiar faces of friends, all geared toward a great cause!
Jimmy Lesch, Associate Publisher of Vital VOICE: I love catching up with everyone! ULTRA is the one event where the who’s who of the LGBT community come out to celebrate Pride.
ALIVE: Do you all have your outfits picked out yet? It’s a white party, after all, so you’ll have to do a little planning. Will you wear all white or just a little?
Goodman: I’m shooting for all white with perhaps a little pop of color.
Lesch: I probably won’t be doing all white. It’s Pride weekend, we’ve got to keep it colorful!
Slyman: I always have my outfit selected for ULTRA months in advance!
Moore-Souza: When it comes to color-themed parties, I’m usually a rebel. However, I think I’m going to abide by the rules this time and do all white and gold!
ALIVE: If you had to pick one song to dance to all night, what would it be?
Moore-Souza: One song to dance to all night?! Hmm. I’m thinking a summer theme like, Calvin Harris’ “Summer.”
Slyman: Anything from Madonna, Beyoncé, One Direction, Miley, Selena, or Cher!
Lesch: One song all night long, are you insane?! Ha. Anything fun, campy and gay!
Goodman: There are so many good songs to choose from, but I would have to go with something old school like Michael Jackson’s, “Off The Wall” or Earth, Wind & Fire’s, “September.”
ALIVE: Other than partying with us at ULTRA, what is one way you will celebrate National PRIDE Month?
Lesch: Just John Nightclub is having a “Star Wars”-themed Pride celebration. It’s such a fun idea. The inner dork in me was jumping up and down when I found out. I can’t wait!
Slyman: Vital Voice had a fabulous kickoff to National Pride Month and the St. Louis Pride Parade!
Goodman: I’ll be attending (and volunteering at) the Pride Parade. It always brings a smile to my face and an occasional tear to my eye.
Moore-Souza: I personally think that the celebration of Pride should be every day. With the act of living your life day-to-day doing whatever makes you happy, loving who you want to love and just being kind to our fellow LGBT family, as well as others whom may not identify. Uplifting as a whole!
Thanks to our committee members who chatted with us. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all at the ULTRA White Party on Saturday, June 28.
Find more information and ways to purchase tickets and donate to PROMO Missouri here.