In the summer of 1980, something special began on the banks of the Mississippi River in Memphis. In a time when the LGBTQ+ community had few places to openly celebrate themselves, a bold and joyous tradition was born—the Memphis Pride Riverboat Cruise. Aboard the Memphis Queen II, the first group of LGBTQ+ Memphians set sail for a night of dancing, laughter, and solidarity. What started as a fundraiser for the Tennessee Gay Coalition for Human Rights quickly became one of the city’s most cherished annual traditions, lasting nearly 20 years.
The idea was simple: bring the community together for a night on the river, far away from the disapproving gaze of a society that wasn’t ready to embrace them. By 1980, bars catered to the LGBTQ+ crowd, but for many, even those semi-safe spaces weren’t enough. The river, however, was different. What better place to be free than in the middle of one of the world’s most iconic waterways? And so, in June 1980, the first Pride Riverboat Cruise set sail.
A Safe Haven on the Water
That first cruise was a success in every sense. The boat sold out quickly, packed with people eager to celebrate their identity. The night was filled with music, dancing, and an infectious energy that swept through the crowd. One of the most memorable moments came when the boat had to dock mid-river to restock ice and liquor from the larger Showboat, which happened to be hosting a national square dance convention. As the two boats met, the passengers eyed one another curiously, with LGBTQ+ revelers on the Queen waving a bedsheet-sized gay rights banner proudly over the water. A drag queen, never one to shy away from the moment, leaned over the railing and playfully flashed her leg at the square dancers. It was a moment of bold visibility, a light-hearted yet defiant gesture that would become part of Memphis LGBTQ+ history.
That 1980 cruise laid the foundation for what would become an essential part of the city’s Pride celebrations. Year after year, the river ride offered a space of refuge and joy, where the LGBTQ+ community could gather and celebrate in peace. As the event grew, the boat did too. Eventually, the event moved to the larger Showboat, allowing even more people to take part in the festivities.
The Rise of a Tradition
Throughout the 1980s, the Memphis Pride Riverboat Cruise continued to grow in size and significance. Local jazz singer Joyce Cobb became a regular performer on the boat, and her soulful voice became the soundtrack to many of the community’s fondest memories. Cobb’s performances were a highlight, blending the city’s deep musical roots with the joy of the LGBTQ+ community’s celebration.
By 1990, the Pride Riverboat Cruise was celebrating its 10th anniversary, and it had evolved from a small gathering into one of the most anticipated events of the year. That year, Cobb returned to perform alongside her band, Hot Fun, in what would be a milestone event. Boarding began at 8:30 PM, with the boat departing at 9:00 PM and cruising until midnight. For three hours, LGBTQ+ Memphians danced and celebrated their progress and unity.
But the river ride was always more than just a party—it was a symbol of resilience. The AIDS crisis was tearing through the community, and yet, year after year, people showed up to the Pride Riverboat Cruise to celebrate life, love, and solidarity. The river offered a temporary escape from the hardships of daily life, a space where the community could come together in strength.
A Legendary Headliner in 1992
By the time 1992 rolled around, the Pride Riverboat Cruise had become more than a local tradition—it was a major event in the LGBTQ+ calendar. That year, the organizers brought in a Memphis music legend to headline: Rufus Thomas. Known for hits like “Walking the Dog” and “Do the Funky Chicken,” Thomas brought star power and energy to the cruise, making the 1992 ride one of the most memorable in its long history.
Joyce Cobb, a staple of the Pride River Rides, returned once again to perform, sharing the stage with Thomas in what became an unforgettable night of music and celebration. As the boat set sail at 8:00 PM, the decks filled with laughter, dancing, and soulful music. The Memphis Showboat was the perfect venue for the occasion, offering an escape from the pressures of the outside world. For one night, the Mississippi River was a sanctuary of joy, pride, and unity.
The Final Ride: 1999
The 1999 Pride Riverboat Cruise, held on June 18, would be the last. Financial pressures had been mounting—rising entertainment costs and required food minimums were making it difficult to continue the event as both a celebration and a fundraiser. But the community wasn’t going to let the tradition end quietly. For its final voyage, the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center (MGLCC) brought back Rufus Thomas for one last performance.
The Showboat was once again filled with excitement, as boarding began at 8:00 PM and the boat sailed from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM. Tickets were priced at $25, and despite the higher cost, the event was well-attended. The night was filled with music, laughter, and memories as attendees reflected on the past two decades of Pride on the river. Thomas’ performance, filled with his signature humor and energy, was the perfect send-off for the event that had meant so much to so many.
A Legacy That Floats On
The Memphis Pride Riverboat Cruise may have ended in 1999, but its legacy continues to resonate. For nearly 20 years, the cruise offered a safe and joyous space for the LGBTQ+ community to come together, celebrate, and stand proud. It was more than just a party—it was an act of defiance, of joy, and of unity in the face of a world that wasn’t always welcoming.
In a city where safe spaces were few and far between, the Pride Riverboat Cruise provided something truly special: a place where people could be themselves, dance, laugh, and enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi River. From Joyce Cobb’s soulful performances to Rufus Thomas’ energetic sets, the river rides created lasting memories for everyone who boarded those boats.
The spirit of the Memphis Pride Riverboat Cruise lives on in the community’s continued fight for equality and visibility. It’s a reminder of how far the city’s LGBTQ+ community has come and how important it is to celebrate that progress—whether on a boat or not.