A week of snow, sparkle and support brings locals together on and off the mountain
By Carli Johnson SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
From March 24 to 30, Big Sky was full of color, laughter and pride as the nonprofit Big Sky OUT hosted its first-ever Winter Pride Week. The weeklong event celebrated Big Sky’s LGBTQ+ community with ski parades, dance parties, learning opportunities and other activities.
Taylor McCaslin, a board member of Big Sky OUT, told Explore Big Sky the event went better than they imagined.
“We had our expectations, and the weekly turnout exceeded them all around,” McCaslin said. “We were surprised to see how hungry people have been for this kind of community-building event.”
The schedule included activities like Nordic ski lessons and educational trainings. McCaslin said the response from the community was very positive, and many more people have reached out to volunteer, donate or even join the board.
As a newer organization, McCaslin said it’s been hard to get the word out or find volunteers. But after Winter Pride Week, there has been a surge in interest.
On Saturday, March 29, Big Sky OUT brought the celebration to Big Sky Resort with two ski parades down Mr. K and Ambush. At 11 a.m., skiers and snowboarders—including a few instructors in uniform—dressed in glitter, rainbow flags and colorful outfits gathered near the Lone Peak Tram to ride down the mountain together.
Big Sky OUT founder Brit Diersch welcomed the group with a short speech.
“It’s really important visibility for us,” Diersch said. “We want people to know that they are welcome here and this is a safe space.”
The group carried a 35-by-40-foot pride flag down Mr. K. McCaslin skied alongside them, playing music by queer artists like Chappell Roan and Lady Gaga to keep the energy high.
Gillian Hayden, a Big Sky Resort employee and first-time attendee of a pride event, said the event made her excited and proud to be a community member in Big Sky.
“This is my first pride event here in Big Sky,” Hayden said. “What makes me excited about this is that it is a bunch of wonderful, beautiful human beings enjoying snow and coming together as one.”
People smiled, waved flags and celebrated inclusion as they skied together with Big Sky OUT.
The week concluded with a sold-out drag brunch at Tips Up. The line stretched out the door, with people watching from the windows. McCaslin said the turnout was exciting to see.
“The outpouring of support and engagement from the community has been amazing,” McCaslin said, reflecting on the week.
Big Sky OUT said they’re already planning more events with Tips Up and looking ahead to their summer pride celebrations.
