Waynesboro PRISM event embraces LGBTQ+ community after Augusta County fiasco

Augusta County may have been too scared to host a Pride event in today’s political climate, but Waynesboro, located right next door, will celebrate the area’s LGBTQ community in September.

The second annual PRISM event will be held downtown on Saturday, Sept. 27, from noon to 4 p.m.

“Come as you are and leave feeling seen,” said Destination Downtown Waynesboro in its Facebook event post, a nice way to say that gay or trans, straight or cis, you are welcome in the River City.

The event comes approximately three months after the Augusta County Board of Supervisors nixed a Pride event scheduled at the Augusta County Library in Fishersville.

Despite months of planning the library event and more than 15 businesses signed up to participate, just days before the event was to take place, the conservative BOS cancelled the event, claiming they had just become aware of the event and were worried about the lack of security, among other excuses.

The Shenandoah LGBTQ Center picked up the pieces and held a “Can’t Cancel Pride” event in Staunton instead, and surprise, a MAGA lunatic from out of town didn’t show up, and a police presence was not required.

Waynesboro PRISM details

---

To its credit, Waynesboro, who looks to be embracing its diversity, will celebrate the gay and queer community by literally dancing on the streets of its downtown.

The celebration will include live music including Justina with Tabula Rosa from noon to 2 p.m. and the Hot Mamas from 2-4 p.m.

There will be a t-shirt decoration station, photo booth, face painting and LGBTQ+ friendly vendors.

This is a DORA event, so you may purchase a drink at any restaurant and take it with you as you explore vendors and listen to the live music.

Related stories

---

• Librarian who planned Augusta County Pride event tells all: And it’s worse than we thought
• Augusta County answers FOIA, releases documents on Pride event cancellation
• Podcast: Inside the decision to cancel the Augusta County Library Pride event
• Augusta County BOS member explains, defends decision to cancel Pride event
• Augusta County shut down a Pride program because Augusta County leaders are cowards
• ‘Not outside of their purview’: Augusta County defends move to cancel library’s Pride Day
• LGBTQ center steps in after Augusta County leaders cancel library Pride event
• Augusta County: Pride Day at county library cancelled by Board of Supervisors
• Shenandoah LGBTQ Center celebrates seven years serving as a safe space in Staunton
• Bartender, drag queen finds home in Staunton, aka the ‘Queen City’