Motor City Pride
Detroit's largest annual LGBT pride street festival.
Motor City Pride is an annual LGBT pride street festival, held in Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan the second Saturday and Sunday of June. Previously held in Ferndale, Michigan, the festival moved to Detroit in 2011. It is the largest LGBT event held in Michigan.
- Historic Arena
- Pontiac Silverdome (1978-1988), The Palace of Auburn Hills
- Current Arena
- Little Caesars Arena
Lore & Background
Motor City Pride traces its roots back to June 1972 when the first march was held downtown Detroit to protest the homophobic laws and to work for recognition for LGBT Rights and Equality. In the mid-1980's Craig Covey, then director of Michigan Organization for Human Rights, is credited with organizing Detroit's first Gay and Lesbian pride festival in 1985. The Detroit Area Gay & Lesbian Council organized PrideFest from 1982 to 1992. In 1993, PrideFest became its own organization known as South East Michigan Pride and held at the Oakland Community College in Royal Oak, MI with Michael Lary as the event director. In 2001, PrideFest was moved to downtown Ferndale under the new direction of the Triangle Foundation. In 2003, the name changed to MotorCity Pride. In 2011, Motor City Pride was moved to downtown Detroit. No event is planned in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic was to blame; the 49th was deferred to June 2021.
In Their Own Story
The tunnel light flickers before the roar hits your ears. You step onto the wood, feeling the history beneath your sneakers as the crowd chants names from decades past. It's not just a game tonight; it is Detroit standing tall against the world.
Reader's Guide
The festival is held at Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan on the second Saturday and Sunday of June.
Did You Know?
- Motor City Pride is the largest LGBT event held in Michigan.
- The festival traces its roots to June 1972, when the first march was held in downtown Detroit.
- The name changed to MotorCity Pride in 2003.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Motor City Pride?
This concept embodies the collective soul of Pistons supporters and their bond with Detroit's manufacturing legacy. It signifies a culture defined by resilience instead of temporary player rosters.
What are Motor City Pride's powers/role?
Its strength lies in a tradition of aggressive defense and winning championships that lasts beyond any single season. This identity unites fans across decades via common struggles and triumphs on the court.
How does Motor City Pride's story end?
The narrative remains ongoing as the franchise currently plays at Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit. It links past eras like Fort Wayne to present-day ambitions through continuous community support.
Why is Motor City Pride important?
It honors the specific grit and success associated with basketball in America's industrial capital. Supporters value this mindset because it emphasizes long-term loyalty over passing fads.
Where has Motor City Pride been hosted historically?
Key locations include The Palace of Auburn Hills and the Pontiac Silverdome between 1978 and 1988. These arenas served as stages where the team's defensive reputation was established for fans to witness.
More in Stadium, Fans & Traditions
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