Wake County Public Libraries and Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space will recognize Pride Month with a variety of free events that celebrate community, diversity and inclusion.
“We want our parks and libraries to be places where everyone feels welcome and supported,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “These Pride Month programs are a chance to bring people together in celebration and connection with each other and the community.”
Below are some featured events happening throughout the month. From book clubs and guided nature walks to immersive outdoor programs, there’s something for everyone.
Libraries
Wake Forest Pride Book Club
Monday, June 9 | 6–7 p.m.
Wake Forest Community Library
Join Wake Forest Pride and the library for a lively book discussion of “This is How You Lose the Time War” by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. Registration requested.
Pauli Murray: Identity and Influence
Wednesday, June 11 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the life and legacy of Pauli Murray, trailblazing activist, lawyer and writer. This virtual program will explore how Murray’s identity as a queer, gender non-conforming person intersected with their fight for justice, providing a unique perspective on their groundbreaking contributions to social change. Get the link here.
Forest Bathing for Renewal & Resilience
Sunday, June 22 | 2–4 p.m.
East Regional Library
Take part in a guided meditation indoors, then enjoy a sensory stroll along the nearby forested path with prompts to deepen your immersive experience. Led by a certified forest therapy guide guide and somatic coach, this session will focus on renewal and resilience for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. Registration required.
Additional Resources
In keeping with the system’s mission to instill the love of reading and foster the pursuit of knowledge, librarians have curated a list of resources to inspire critical thinking and aid in the continuing education on the subjects of identity, equality and social justice. View the resource guide at guides.wake.gov/pride.
Check out full list of Wake County Public Libraries Pride Month programs here.
Parks
Out in Nature
Saturday, June 7 | 10–11 a.m.
Historic Oak View County Park
Enjoy a relaxed, all-ages walk to celebrate Pride and the natural beauty and history of Historic Oak View. Registration required.
Pride Paddle
Wednesday, June 25 | 6–8 p.m.
Robertson Millpond Preserve
Join staff for a sunset paddle to build community while getting out in nature. The session will start with a quick lesson on kayaks and paddling before hitting the water. Equipment provided. Sign up here.
Rainbow Agriculture: Taking Pride in Farming
Friday, June 27 | 4–5 p.m.
Beech Bluff County Park
This program explores the rise and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to agriculture while delving into the unique challenges and triumphs faced by LGBTQ+ farmers. The program includes a hands-on activity, so please bring a pot! Register here.
A full list of Pride Month programs from Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space can be found here.
