First Lady Dr. Jill Biden Speaks at 28th Annual Pride in the Pines Festival

Flagstaff, AZ – June 15, 2024 – Flagstaff Pride is thrilled to announce that the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, honored our 28th annual Pride in the Pines festival with her presence and delivered an inspiring keynote speech. This historic visit underscored the importance of our community’s continued fight for equality and acceptance.

Dr. Biden’s speech resonated deeply with the attendees as she addressed the current challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community. Highlighting the threats posed by recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, she stated,

“History teaches us that our rights and freedom don’t disappear overnight. They disappear slowly, subtly, silently. But pride is more than a celebration; it’s a declaration. We will not be silenced. We will stand up for our authentic selves, for each other, and for the country we deserve.”

Flagstaff Pride’s President, Zane Jacobs, expressed immense gratitude for Dr. Biden’s participation.

“Having the First Lady recognize and support our community is a dream come true. Her presence here is a testament to the progress we’ve made and the importance of continuing our fight for equality on both local and national levels.”

The festival, a vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and resilience, saw a minor shift as some scheduled drag performers chose to withdraw in response to Dr. Biden’s attendance. However, the event continued to be a testament to the strength and unity of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

After her heartfelt speech, Dr. Biden departed for Pulliam Airport to continue her commitments, including a charity event in California. Her brief visit left an indelible impact on Flagstaff Pride and reaffirmed the significance of standing together against injustice.

We extend our deepest thanks to Dr. Jill Biden for her unwavering support and her encouraging message. Flagstaff Pride remains dedicated to advocating for equality and celebrating our diverse community.

For more information, please contact:
Heather Brown
Heather@culturalsponge.com