Ironwood hosts Pride UP in City Square

By CHARITY SMITH

csmith@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood — Despite the rain, members of the local LGBTQ community and their allies celebrated the second annual Pride U.P. Saturday in Ironwood’s Downtown City Square.

The event featured vendors, a free community lunch and live music. Some of the booths offered miniature pride flags, stickers and T-shirts. Some children ran around the park collecting the little flags and stickers, and hula-hooped to the music. Many people had various pride flags draped across their shoulders. Some people complimented each other on their various bold, and prideful fashion statements.

The event featured the first performance of the local Pride Community Choir, directed by Vince Schueren. The choir consisted of both members of LGBTQ community and their allies. The group sang a variety of songs including “The Rose” and “Girl on Fire.”

“I hope it’s the start of something permanent,”choir member Bree Bastman said of the choir.

R and B singer Furillo Star and his sister and fellow singer, Brelia Renee, headlined the event. The Flint natives are performing at Pride events across the state to celebrate the LGBTQ community this month. Ironwood’s mayor and City Commission declared the it pride month in Ironwood at a recent meeting.

“Pride means a lot to me,” said Star. “Being queer myself, ... it is very important for me to show my pride and let other people know that you can follow your dreams no matter your sexuality, gender identity, anything like that.”

After the concert participants enjoyed some techno music and social time in the City Square.