March with SHL in the Charleston Pride Parade

SHL is returning to the Charleston Pride Parade! Years ago, our organization regularly participated in the parade, and we're excited to be back. This year, we're marching alongside our friends in The Queer Agenda, a coalition of local organizations like We Are Family and QT Camp, working together to support and defend the LGBTQIA+ community.

This is an all ages event, and this year's theme for our group is "Pride Gives Us Wings." Wear rainbow colors, wings, your favorite LGBTQIA+ flag, or whatever makes you feel festive. Bring your SHL shirt if you have one, and let's show Charleston that our humanist community stands proudly with our LGBTQIA+ neighbors!

Where and when to meet

• 8:00 am: Check-in at Wragg Mall, 20 Ann St, directly beside the Charleston Museum. Check-in begins at 7:30. We recommend arriving by 8 am to give yourself plenty of time to find our group and get situated.
• Finding our group: Tell Charleston Pride organizers or volunteers in orange shirts that you're with "The Queer Agenda," Group B. They can direct you to our staging area.
• Finding SHL: Bonnie Cleaveland, who will be leading our contingent.
• 8:25 am: Everyone must be present and assembled with the group by this time. Please don't be late!
• 9:00 am: The parade begins, heading south on King Street from Ann Street to Market Street.
• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes. The parade ends at King and Market Streets.

Parking
The closest recommended parking is the Visitors Center Parking Garage at 63 Mary Street, across Ann Street from the Charleston Visitor Center. According to Charleston Pride, parking costs $2 for the first hour and $1 for each additional hour, with a $16 daily maximum.

Other parking options include:

• St. Philip Street Garage — 89 St. Philip Street
• George Street Lot — 31 George Street
• Cumberland Street Garage — 90 Cumberland Street
• 65 Hasell Street Parking — 65 Hasell Street

Expect road closures and traffic delays around the parade route. Carpooling is encouraged.

Get ready for Pride on Friday night!
Afraid of showing up but not knowing anyone? We Are Family (WAF) is hosting a Pride preparation gathering on Friday, October 16, 5:30-7:30 pm at the WAF Community Center. You can meet some of the people we'll be marching with and make something fun to wear or carry! Queer Agenda friends can get together to make posters, decorate shirts, create wings, and get ready for the parade.
It's a great opportunity to meet our fellow marchers before Saturday morning and get into the Pride spirit!

A few reminders
Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and sunscreen, and dress for the weather. The parade will proceed rain or shine. Signs and banners celebrating equality and inclusion are welcome. Please don't throw items into the crowd or engage with protesters along the route.