It's still Pride month in Tacoma where the celebration continues through July

June is widely known as Pride month, but Tacoma keeps the celebration going through July — it's still Pride month in Grit City.

This week, the Pierce County Council made it official and declared July as Pride month in the county.

“We have come a long way, and I don’t want to diminish that progress,” Council Chair Ryan Mello said in a statement. “But there’s a growing, and alarming, divide growing in America that can unravel years of progress. That’s why recognizing Pride Month and inviting everyone to celebrate is so important.”

“I am proud to be the first openly gay person to lead the Pierce County Council in its history," he said. "I am grateful to show up as my full self every day to lead this council and work on issues such as job creation, protecting our environment, building more affordable housing, and the inclusion of everyone in our society, especially those historically marginalized.”

Pierce County first officially recognized July as Pride month in 2021.

Tacoma's Pride month kicks off with a week of festivities, starting on Friday, July 7 with LGBTQ+ Community Pride Awards. A street fair takes over Pacific Avenue at Ninth Street on Saturday, July 8, followed by an evening block party. A queer interfaith function is Sunday, and the week closes out on Wednesday, July 12 with Queerly Funny, an LGBTQ+ standup comedy show featuring local comedians.

The month continues with additional events, such as a big hat brunch, watching "Hairspray" in People's Park, and more. Check out the full schedule here.