The GAYla
Date: April 9, 2016
Local Mentions: Mid-South Pride, Memphis Pride
Synopsis:

In an effort to expand LGBTQ+ visibility beyond Pride Month, Memphis introduced The GAYla, an elegant and inclusive fundraising event supporting local LGBTQ+ initiatives and advocacy organizations. Held in downtown Memphis, the evening featured live performances, a silent auction, and special guest speakers, all while raising funds for OUTMemphis and other LGBTQ+ support services. The event brought together activists, community leaders, and allies, showcasing the strength and diversity of Memphis’ LGBTQ+ community. The success of The GAYla ensured that Pride was not just a once-a-year celebration but a year-round movement for visibility, progress, and empowerment.

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The GAYla

April 9, 2016

In 2016, Mid-South Pride introduced the GAYla, an annual event designed to foster community and celebration within Memphis’s LGBTQ+ movement. Held for the first time on April 9, 2016, the GAYla quickly became a highly anticipated gathering, offering a night of music, dancing, and connection in response to community requests for more inclusive, year-round programming.

The event emphasized unity and camaraderie, bringing together LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in a setting that blended festive energy with a deeper sense of community-building. While Pride celebrations often center on advocacy and visibility, the GAYla provided a space for joy, friendship, and togetherness, reinforcing that LGBTQ+ identity is not just about activism but also about shared culture and belonging.

Since its inaugural year, the GAYla has become a key event on Memphis Pride’s calendar, held every April as a prelude to the city’s larger Pride celebrations in the fall. It continues to serve as a reminder that celebration and advocacy go hand in hand, strengthening the bonds of Memphis’s LGBTQ+ community while ensuring that Pride remains a space of joy and inclusion.

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