In this interview Zizel and Rae share their experiences at Ypsi Pride, noting that they moved to Ypsi about a year ago for school. Both Zizel and Rae express that they love the artist alley, the community feel of Ypsi Pride, and want to remind everyone to stay slaying.
In this interview EMU alum and community member Kevin Werner shares his experiences at Ypsi Pride, noting that he continues to come every year because he loves the community. Werner also explains that he was the first student to transition while living in the dorms at EMU in the early 2000s, is currently producing Stonewall the Musical, and discusses his involvement in trans support groups and the Outloud Chorus.
In this brief interview, queer elder Terry shares his experiences at Ypsi Pride, noting that the older he gets the happier he is in his own skin and that he is happier younger queer generations have it easier.
In this interview a women dressed like La Llorona, Disha Myles, shares her experiences at Ypsi Pride, explaining that she is dressed the way she is to draw attention to abortion rights. Myles expresses concern for the future of abortion access, her hopes for the Presidential election, and urges everyone to register to vote.
In this interview Max Taylor, a photographer for the Eastern Echo, shares their experiences working at Ypsi Pride. Taylor expresses that they enjoy capturing moments of raw emotion, and like to take pictures of people having fun in groups and smiling. They also discuss photo taking etiquette, being able to connect with others over their ace pin, and passes on the message that you should live your truth.
In this interview community member Leif shares their experiences at Ypsi Pride, explaining that they were there reading Tarot for This, That, and the Odder Thing. Leif also speaks about their time living in London and France, the lack of a goth scene in the Ypsi area, and the fact that Ypsi has an "anything that's weird" scene instead that they prefer.
In this interview Chris Joly shares how she and her partner brought a Pride Center to Jackson, MI, and the tragedy that followed shortly after Jackson's first Pride Event. Joly explains that her house was set on fire, which claimed the lives of her 2 dogs and 3 cats, by an arsonist, and her partner at the time, Nikki Joly was wrongfully accused of the arson and ended up spending over two years in prison. Joly explains how that fire and everything that followed after changed her and Nikki, resulting in their separation.
In this interview community member Ellie shares her experiences at Ypsi Pride, explaining that this is her first Pride since coming out as a lesbian. Ellie also discusses her opinions on the importance of Pride, self-acceptance, and the importance of keeping a journal.
In this interview community member Leslie Davenport shares their experiences at Ypsi Pride, detailing that their first Pride was the first time they felt they were in a safe place. Davenport shares that they are deaf but love music, and they are still exploring what music they like after recently leaving Christianity. They share that Ypsi Pride is full of friendly people but would be more accessible if there was an interpreter by the stage.
In this interview with community member Jesse Carr they share their experiences with Ypsi Pride, detailing that this is their second Ypsi Pride. Carr discusses their recent autism diagnosis and the positive impact it has had on their ability to enjoy Pride, and expressed to younger generations of queer people that living to adulthood is worth the wait despite the hardships.
In this interview community member Glenisha "Glen" Berryman shares their experiences at Ypsi Pride, explaining that this was their second Ypsi Pride. Berryman discusses the community impact of Ypsi Pride, a powerful experience they had at a Hozier concert, gardening as a form of self-care, and the beauty of being queer.
In this interview community member Damien Babcock shares his experiences with Ypsi Pride, detailing that it was his first ever Pride event due to growing up in a conservative environment that restricted his ability to accept his queerness. Babcock explores the happiness he feels now that he is living in Ypsi, his interest in taxidermy and insects, and how being transgender is the best thing somebody can be.
In this interview a genderfluid community member named Audrey shares their experiences with Ypsi Pride, explaining that they were grateful to be there. Audrey explores their history with activism, detailing their involvement with the encampment for Palestine on U of M's diag, the work they do preserving queer history, and their radio show. They express that they want others to have compassion for themselves and those around them, and that the future is worth fighting for.
In this interview EMU student Leslie Arcure shares their experiences with Ypsi Pride, specifically exploring how Ypsi Pride is less corporate/capitalistic then other Pride events she has gone too. Arcure also discusses her interest in film and political history, some of her favorite films, and reading books on conservatism as a self-identified socialist.
