Dance parties aren’t usually letter-writing campaigns. And Pride month is usually June.
But Jackson Hole Pride is hosting the third annual ‘Pride in February’ Feb. 21 at The Virginian Saloon. The event is intended as an evening of celebration, fun and writing to state lawmakers.
House Bill 72, “Protecting women’s privacy in public spaces act,” is one of several filed this legislative session directly impacting transgender people. The bill sponsored by Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland, would prevent transgender people from using any public “female-only spaces,” including public restrooms, locker rooms, gender-assigned jails and single-sex schools.
Cheyenne Syvertson, board chair of Jackson Hole Pride, says that last year’s event generated hundreds of letters in support of queer rights.
“People are getting together with the purpose of having a joyful, fun and light experience, but also, for anybody who wants to, an opportunity to do something meaningful,” she said.
The letter-writing campaign is part of a national collective action effort, with organizations across the state and country participating.
From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., JH Pride will host a family-friendly, sober “pregame” at Billy’s Burgers, followed by the “dance party with a purpose.” Syvertson says it’s a way for the community to come together.
“It is really isolating in Wyoming to be a member of the LGBTQ community, it’s really isolating to be a gender-diverse person in Wyoming,” Syvertson said, “so it is vitally important and a powerful act of resistance to gather or be together and connect with other people.”
