2024 DioET @ Knox Pride

Knoxville Episcopalians at Knoxville Pride Weekend

Pride weekend has been a great opportunity for Knoxville Episcopalians to reach out to our community. As you likely know, Tennessee has not been the easiest of places to live for the LGBTQ+ community, and our churches have been places of refuge, solace, and healing for many who have been hurt by church in the past. Please consider taking part in one or ALL of the following events, and sign up to HELP!!! Remember, you don’t have to identify as LGBTQ+ to love your LGBTQ+ neighbor!!

Pride Parade – Friday, Oct 4 – 6:30pm

•   If you’d like to walk with the Episcopal Diocese in the Parade, please try to arrive at the staging area by 6:00pm.
•   The staging area is located at E. Hill Ave (in front of the Blount Mansion).
•   The parade route is the entire length of Gay Street, and ends at the other end of Gay Street under I-40 (near the Regis Building). Either arrange a ride back to your car, OR park (EARLY!!!) at the State Street or Market Square Garages.
•   Wear comfortable shoes, fun clothes, rainbow EVERYING, and happy faces! Parishes, bring banners! We CANNOT distribute flyers or candy.

Knox Pride Festival – Saturday, Oct 5 – Noon-6pm

•   The Festival is from Noon-6pm at World’s Fair Park.
•   The Diocese will have a booth at the Festival and we need help working the booth, greeting people and answering basic questions! There are one-hour shifts open throughout the afternoon.
•   Please sign-up to take one or more shifts. We also need help setting-up and breaking-down!
•   Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EADAE2EA5F9C34-51682704-knoxville/21520149#/

PrideMass – Sunday, Oct 6 – 5pm – St. James Episcopal Church

•   PrideMass will be back at St. James this year, and we’re honored to have the Rev. Dr. Katina Sharp of Powell Presbyterian Church as this year’s preacher, as well as a number of guest musicians and artists!
•   A pick-up choir will rehearse at 3:30 pm at St. James ahead of the service. All are welcome to sing and there is no dress code for the choir!
•   There are LOTS of ways to help with the event, including set-up, parts in the service, and clean-up. For a list of opportunities to serve, and to sign up, go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EADAE2EA5F9C34-51690090-pride/21520149#/

If you have any questions, please contact the Rev. RJ Powell at rjpowell@gmail.com.