Coronavirus: Seattle Pride Celebrations Move Online For 2020

SEATTLE, WA — Seattle's annual Pride celebrations, typically held throughout June, will move online for 2020, due to ongoing concerns over the coronavirus, organizers announced Thursday.

This year's Seattle Pride Parade was originally scheduled for June 28. The event draws thousands to the downtown Seattle area every year. Pride in the Park, scheduled for June 13, has also been canceled.

The organizers for Seattle Pride, Seattle PrideFest, and Trans Pride said they reached a joint decision to cancel events after consulting with city officials and public health agencies. In a news release posted on the Seattle Pride website, the three organizations said they would work together to develop some in-person celebrations later in the summer, when it may be safer to do so.

A list of virtual events planned for June is still in the works, and organizers are asking community members to fill out a brief survey to help them decide the best ways to celebrate online.

"We are so thankful for our Pride family and partners, and for your continued support as we now shift towards creating a different kind of Pride celebration — but one which continues to celebrate diversity and bring us together when we need it most," organizers wrote.

Seattle Pride said a full list of virtual events will be released sometime in early May.

Gov. Jay Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order remains in effect through at least May 4 and could be extended further if public health officials determine strict social distancing measures must continue. Washington Secretary of Health John Wiesman said this week that some precautionary measures may be needed for months, even after widespread restrictions are lifted.