September is Pride month in Oakland and Oakland-based drag artist Mama Celeste and her friends are throwing a party. Christened We Run This, the party, which happens on September 7, and is being produced by Oaklash, promises to offer a plethora of queer and trans performers and DJs, celebrating the diversity that is Oakland.
Celeste explained to the Bay Area Reporter that We Run This will not be affiliating itself with major corporations, as is often the case at Pride parades in other cities. Rather, it will be a production of small businesses in the community, with local homegrown performers who Celeste feels makes Oakland a special place. Celeste wants attendees to feel that they're seeing themselves represented in the people working, running and performing at the event.
"We are going back to the radical roots of Pride and reminding our community that if they come together, they can make their home a better place," Celeste said in an interview with the B.A.R.
Though it happens on Oakland's Pride weekend, We Run This is in no way affiliated with the Pride organization. Celeste hopes to create an ecosystem where Oakland is a more exciting city because there is such a wide variety of events to choose from. She explained why Oakland celebrates Pride in September and not the customary month of June.
"Why not have Pride all year round?" she asked. "June is so oversaturated with Pride events so smaller cities like Oakland would get steamrolled by million-person parades like they have in San Francisco. I want to feel Pride in who I am every day."
The evening will include a drag show hosted by Militia Scunt, who is best known for appearing on season two of "Queen of the Universe," which was a televised drag singing competition.
"But in the Bay, Militia is best known for kicking and flipping and bucking so hard she might wreck your sprinkler system," said Celeste. "The girl knows how to party."
We Run This drag performers are all QTBIPOC and include Bettyie Jane, who Celeste referred to as a "sexy siren." Also performing will be drag king Tyson Check In, Hera Wynn, and Oaklash co-founder Beatrix Lahaine.
Musical acts scheduled to appear are Lady Ryan, La Femme Papi, Floridawtr, DJ Subeaux, Mama Celeste herself, and TECA.
"TECA closed out our afterparty at the Oaklash Festival earlier this May, and let me tell you it was absolutely lit," Celeste said. "They're a powerhouse duo that combines rap, live beat making and DJing in a high energy dance floor experience."
Volunteers are still needed to help set up the event, work the door, sell T-shirts, collect tips and help clear up the street.
"This is a community-led event, so we're really looking for all hands on deck to make it happen," said Celeste. "Folks can sign up at Oaklash.com."
Celeste invited everyone to attend, pointing out that Oakland is a very special place.
"Oakland is a melting pot," she said. "It's the Bay Area's common room. It's a place where all sorts of folks from all walks of life come together to push the culture forward. It's got a history rooted in diversity that is inseparable from its identity. It's a place where people look out for one another, but they also don't let you get away with shit because they expect better from their community. It's the best city in America."
We Run This, September 7, 5pm-10pm, Downtown Oakland at 15th and Franklin, $12.51, no one turned away due to lack of funds.
www.oaklash.com
Never miss a story! Keep up to date on the latest news, arts, politics, entertainment, and nightlife.
Sign up for the Bay Area Reporter's free weekday email newsletter. You'll receive our newsletters and special offers from our community partners.
Support California's largest LGBTQ newsroom. Your one-time, monthly, or annual contribution advocates for LGBTQ communities. Amplify a trusted voice providing news, information, and cultural coverage to all members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay -- Donate today!