Washington County Pride QSA Announces 5th Annual Picnic

A Community Posting Submitted by Renée Mather

“Pride” is celebrated each June in recognition of the LGBTQIA+ civil rights movement that began in 1969 in New York City. The month honors the courage of those who came before, the lives lost to hate and injustice, and the ongoing journey toward equity and love. Pride celebrations—whether large parades or small-town picnics—offer more than visibility. They are affirmations of life, dignity, and belonging.

This year, Salem, Indiana will host its Fifth Annual Pride Picnic on Sunday, June 22, 2025—marking half a decade of joyful, grassroots celebration right here in Washington County. What began in 2021 as one family’s act of love has grown into a full community event, organized by the Washington County Pride Queer Straight Alliance (WCPQSA) and supported by dozens of local volunteers, families, and Solidarity Partners.

The event will take place in the heart of Salem (location shared upon RSVP). Organizers have thoughtfully shaped the day to offer space for all:

• 1:00–4:00 PM will feature family-friendly activities—games, conversation, music, dancing, and potluck-style food offerings. (This year’s special? Walking tacos!)

• 4:30–6:00 PM will be adult-focused, offering a time of deeper conversation, celebration, and connection.

For the first time, attendees are invited to sign up as Solidarity Partners—individuals, families, and organizations committed to showing up in mindful support of the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s an intentional invitation to relationship-building, not just attendance, and reflects the broader mission of WCPQSA: to create safe, joyful, and lasting connections in our community.

RSVPs, food sign-ups, volunteer info, and Solidarity Partner registration are available at:  https://mobilize.us/s/pBsIma 

Chris and Renée Mather hosted the first four Pride Picnics and continue to cook, organize, and help create a shared space each year. This marks the first year at a new location, but the heart of the picnic remains the same: community, love, and affirmation.

Now, the legacy grows through the leadership of the five Cardinal Leaders—Renée Mather, Raymond Schafer, Julie Thixton, Deena DeBourd, and Toni Muller—and the entire WCPQSA network, with each person bringing their own heart, energy, and commitment to building something beautiful together.

“Without all the love, the need for connection, and the excitement to show up for one another, this event wouldn’t be as beautiful as it is year after year,” said Renée Mather. “To our tried and true guests, and to our new audience, we anticipate the day with joy. I’m so grateful to have been the spark that started the conversation and offered up the first idea, planning and welcoming all in to join — and to see it five years in is like watching your child grow up. It’s so exciting. Bring food to share, bring someone you love, and join us!”

As this tradition continues to grow, so does the vision: one of healing, inclusion, and joyful resistance—in every picnic blanket laid out, every hug exchanged, and every banner waved.

Special thanks to Jim Watkins, whose heartfelt reflections over the years have beautifully captured the spirit of the Washington County Pride Picnic. His words have honored our beginnings, uplifted our growth, and reminded us all what it means to show up with love. We are deeply grateful for the care, authenticity, and wisdom Jim has shared with our community through every picnic. His voice is part of this legacy.