By Finley Timon EDITORIAL INTERN
“This is what Pride looks like!” marchers chanted throughout Big Sky Town Center on Saturday, June 14, as community members gathered for Big Sky OUT’s third annual Summer Pride March. The event was part of a five-day Summer Pride Weekend organized by the nonprofit Big Sky OUT.
The organization described the weekend as “a special celebration,” and said its purpose was “to be seen, to be heard, to spread queer joy as [they] do all year round.”
The march included full-time residents, seasonal employees and visiting supporters.
“I identify as gay and it’s my first-ever Pride,” said CJ Ruggiero, a seasonal employee from Arizona. “Our pride doesn’t really happen in June because it’s so hot. We had three days off, so I thought I’d come out here and hang out.”
Ruggiero attended with coworker Ally Fuentes, also from Arizona.
“I’m here as an ally,” Fuentes said. “But it’s been awesome to see what it’s all about.”
Others traveled to Big Sky specifically for the weekend events.
“I flew in from Seattle just for this,” said Morgan Ellis, who first heard about Big Sky OUT through a friend living in the area. “It’s a small town, but they’re doing something big. I wanted to be here and show up for that.”
Ellis said they plan to return in 2025 for Winter Pride, which debuted this past March at Big Sky Resort.
“It’s easy to feel disconnected in a rural place,” they said. “But this weekend felt intentional. It reminded me that even in smaller pockets, people are doing the work.”
Other events during the week included a drag makeup workshop, a group bike ride, queer trivia night, a vendor market, roller derby and a free outdoor screening of “Big Eden.” The weekend concluded with a hike to Ousel Falls and a Drag and Variety Show.
Aries, a Big Sky OUT board member and volunteer coordinator, said this was their first summer living in Big Sky and their second season overall.
“This has been a great way to get involved in a community I wasn’t sure had a place for me,” Aries said. “Having my first winter here was such a pleasant surprise. The community welcomed me with open arms—and even put me on the board.”
Aries said they helped plan several events over the weekend and saw Big Sky’s positive community participation.
“Expectations were exceeded at every single event,” they said. “Even if there wasn’t a big turnout, it was still a good experience to see other people want to plan events like this. If we stay consistent, we’ll continue to see people show up. We’re a young organization, but there’s already been a lot of success.”
Big Sky OUT launched its first Summer Pride event in 2023 and hosted its first Winter Pride Week earlier this year. The organization also offers year-round community programming and partnerships with local businesses.
“The goal is letting people know the queer community is active and thriving in Big Sky and that Pride is a huge celebration, a huge way to gain visibility and exposure,” said Brit Diersch, founder of Big Sky OUT. “Just letting people know we’re here, we are queer and we are welcoming everybody.”
