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Accessibility Statement

Updated May 7, 2024

We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the broadest possible audience, regardless of ability. To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more. This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs. Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML, adapts its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments. If you wish to contact the website’s owner please use the contact form.

Screen-reader and keyboard navigation

Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers can read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements:

  • Screen-reader optimization: we run a process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all of the website’s images. It provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts embedded within the image using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website. These adjustments are compatible with popular screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack.
  • Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key. Additionally, keyboard users will find content-skip menus available at any time by clicking Alt+2, or as the first element of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, not allowing the focus to drift outside. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Disability profiles supported on our website

  • Epilepsy Safe Profile: this profile enables people with epilepsy to safely use the website by eliminating the risk of seizures resulting from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
  • Vision Impaired Profile: this profile adjusts the website so that it is accessible to the majority of visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
  • Cognitive Disability Profile: this profile provides various assistive features to help users with cognitive disabilities such as Autism, Dyslexia, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements more easily.
  • ADHD Friendly Profile: this profile significantly reduces distractions and noise to help people with ADHD, and Neurodevelopmental disorders browse, read, and focus on the essential elements more easily.
  • Blind Users Profile (Screen-readers): this profile adjusts the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is installed on the blind user’s computer, and this site is compatible with it.
  • Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

  • Font adjustments users can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
  • Color adjustments users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds with over seven different coloring options.
  • Animations epileptic users can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
  • Content highlighting users can choose to emphasize essential elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
  • Audio muting users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
  • Cognitive disorders we utilize a search engine linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
  • Additional functions we allow users to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

Assistive technology and browser compatibility

We aim to support as many browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS, and NVDA (screen readers), both for Windows and MAC users.

Notes, comments, and feedback

Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs, there may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating, improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility following technological advancements. If you wish to contact the website’s owner, please use the contact form.

If you have questions about this document, please contact us.

Find Answers

Have questions about Memphis Pride Fest or Mid-South Pride? Search our website and FAQs for insights on everything from parade routes to security and parking, ensuring a safe and memorable Pride celebration.

Yes! We love our four legged friends, but sometimes the weather is a little warm, and they will be doing a lot of walking, so protect their paws and take the recommended precautions to be sure they don’t overheat. (See the ASPCA Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets) Also, be mindful of other festival-goers and ensure they are on a leash and you clean up behind them.

There are seating options in some areas of the festival. However, seating may be limited during peak hours, but we do allow guests to bring popup chairs.

Tickets to Memphis Pride Fest and other events are non-refundable.

There are seating options in some areas of the festival. However, seating may be limited during peak hours, but we do allow guests to bring popup chairs.

Yes, absolutely! We encourage all attendees to stay hydrated during the event. So, feel free to bring your own bottled water. Just remember to help us keep the event area clean by disposing of any empty bottles in the provided recycling bins. Enjoy the fest!

Sponsor registration begins in January. Registration forms can be found on our website.

Participating in the Pride Parade is easy. All you have to do is fill out the Parade Application form found on our website (Link below). There, you’ll provide us with some details about your unit, and submit your registration fee. Prior to the event date, we will follow up by email with all the necessary details including the parade route, line-up time, and guidelines. We look forward to celebrating with you!

When opting to pay later (by invoice), you should receive an invoice by email which includes a link to pay online. If you did not receive the invoice, check your spam folder or reach out through our contact form and we will re-send it to the email address provided.

You can also pay online without an invoice by visiting midsouthpride.org/pay , or follow the link below.

Participating as a festival vendor is simple and straightforward. You’ll find information about vendor opportunities and registration details at the link below. Once submitted, our team will review it and get back to you. We’re excited about the possibility of having you as a part of Memphis Pride Fest!

We’re thrilled to hear that you’re interested in joining the Pride festivities by hosting an event at your venue! To get started, simply fill out the “Event Hosting” form on our website. Here, you’ll be asked to provide information about your venue and the type of event you plan to host. Once your application is reviewed and approved, your event will be added to our official Pride Fest schedule. Your participation helps spread the joy of Pride throughout our city, and we’re excited to possibly work with you!

Your $1 admission not only grants you access to the festival area but also plays a vital role in helping us cover the additional costs associated with ensuring a safe and secure environment for all attendees. These expenses primarily include the presence of dedicated security personnel and related measures to guarantee everyone’s well-being throughout the event.

Furthermore, the admission-based entry system offers Memphis Pride Fest additional legal benefits by allowing us to establish a secure perimeter around the festival area, helping to deter and mitigate potential disruptions from counter-protesters. This ensures that we can maintain a peaceful and enjoyable experience for all participants while upholding the values of unity and respect.

While there are no age restrictions for the open festival area or the Parade. However, some Pride Fest events and areas of the park, like the RedZone and VIP Areas, do require you to be 18+ or 21+

Vendor spaces are 10′ x 10′ and include the reserved space and a festival vendor pass.
The following add-ons are available during the registration process:

  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • 10×10 Canopies
  • Electrical Connections
  • Permits to Sell
  • Tent Permits

Mid-South Pride and Memphis Pride Fest represent different aspects of the same overarching goal of celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the Memphis and Mid-South region.

Mid-South Pride is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that stands at the forefront of championing the visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in the Mid-South area, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive authentically, free from discrimination. Learn More

Memphis Pride Fest is one of the flagship events organized by Mid-South Pride. The annual Memphis Pride Fest Weekend is a vibrant 4-day LGBTQIA Pride celebration. With over 50,000 families, friends, and allies in attendance, Memphis Pride Fest is the single largest Pride celebration in the region. Learn More

Your parade unit number generally determines the location of your space in the lineup area. However, since different types of groups line up in different areas and are staggered into their final position at the lineup point, your unit number is not an indication of your exact position in the procession.

Unit numbers will be announced along with lineup instructions approximately 7 to 10 days prior to the parade. However, these numbers are prone to fluctuate as last-minute changes become necessary, so once the lineup is posted, check it often to be sure your lineup area hasn’t changed.

For entry, attendees must pass through checkpoints where bag checks and metal detectors are in place. To further streamline this process and enhance safety, we have also implemented a clear bag policy. Only clear bags will be permitted inside the festival grounds. Kids’ diaper bags are okay but will be searched at the gate.

The Memphis Pride Fest RedZone is a curated space within the larger festival, specifically designated for individuals aged 18 and over. This exclusive area is tailored to adult attendees, focusing on aspects of sexual health, wellness, and personal intimacy.

It’s a hub where vendors present a variety of products and services, such as sexual health aids, adult-themed literature, personal wellness tools, and relationship counseling services. The Redzone is designed not only to showcase products and services, but to foster an environment of openness and education around adult sexual well-being.

Our community’s safety and security are top priorities. We have partnered with local law enforcement and private security firms to ensure comprehensive on-site coverage, enhancing the safety of our attendees.

Checkpoints: For entry, attendees must pass through checkpoints where bag checks and metal detectors are in place. To further streamline this process and enhance safety, we have also implemented a clear bag policy.

Emergency Response:  The entire venue is under constant CCTV surveillance. We have clearly marked emergency exits and safe zones, ensuring quick access in case of emergencies. Our preparedness includes on-site emergency response teams ready to handle any situation.

Cyber Security: Additionally, we have taken measures to safeguard digital safety. All transactions and personal information are encrypted and secured through robust digital safeguards.

Communication: Moreover, to keep our visitors informed and secure, the Memphis Pride Fest mobile app allows attendees to opt-in for real-time updates and security alerts. Our unwavering commitment is to provide a secure, safe, and inclusive environment for all attendees.

Entries should report to their check-in point no earlier than 11:45 PM and no later than 12:30 PM.

The festival gates open at 11:00 AM, and the festivities last until 5:00 PM.

The parade steps off at 11:00 AM and lasts around 90 minutes.

The Memphis Pride Parade features two flags, each with a different design and a unique story of its own:

The Sea-to-Sea Flag: A symbol of national LGBTQ+ solidarity, this flag was crafted by Gilbert Baker. Mid-South Pride was honored with a 100-foot segment in 2004, featuring a unique 8-stripe design including pink and indigo.

The Founder’s Flag: Debuted in 2008, this 6-stripe flag is a heartfelt tribute to Gary Wilkerson, a founder of Mid-South Pride, and serves as the official Memphis Pride flag.

Read more about these iconic symbols at midsouthpride.org/history

Entries should report to their check-in point no earlier than 9:45 AM and no later than 10:30 AM.
The staging area for the parade lineup spans five streets in the downtown area. Registered entries will be sent a copy of the lineup instructions about five days prior to step-off. Once posted, they will be accessible at midsouhpride.org/lineup .

The parade steps off at 11:00 AM on the first Saturday in June and runs through the Beale Street Entertainment District from S. Fourth Street and Beale Street (Just outside the festival entrance) and ends on Main Street. The entire procession lasts about 90 minutes.

The Memphis Pride Festival and Parade are held the first Saturday in June, but the 4 day Memphis Pride Fest weekend kicks off on onThursday and Friday prior to the Festival and Parade. See events.midsouthpride.org for upcoming dates and information..

The Festival is hosted in Robert Church Park at Fourth and Beale Street with the parade stepping off near the Festival Entrance at 11am and making its way down Beale Street, just blocks away from the National Civil Rights museum.

For more details visit midsouthpride.org/pridefest.

Festival registration begins typically towards the end of the year Nov/Dec and typically cuts off 60 days prior to the event. This allows organizers time to work out the logistics and secure equipment rentals and the required permits.

Parad winners will typically be announced on the Hustle N Glow stage about 60 to 90 minutes after the parade ends.

Tickets ordered online are sent to the email address provided by the purchaser. Search your inbox for “You Have Tickets.” If you do not find them, send us a message along with the name and email address associated with your registration so we can send you another copy. To order tickets online, click here.

The Sea-to-Sea flag has a unique feature that makes it easy to distinguish from the Memphis Pride Flag. For the full story, read The History of Pride in Memphis.

You can order T-Shirts and other Pride Gear, on our website or at the Info Booth at the festival.

You can order tickets [on our website](https://events.midsouthpride.org). Tickets are also available at the gate, but to expedite entry, we recommend ordering online in advance.

There are a number of ways to navigate parking and transportation for Memphis Pride Fest. You might want to consider public transit like the Downtown Trolly System or rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft. Metered street parking is another option, although it’s often in high demand during events.

For those who prefer driving, nearby parking garages and lots, such as the 250 Peabody Pl Garage and the New Downtown Mobility Center, offer convenient locations. It’s worth noting that fees may apply in these locations, so checking rates and hours of operation beforehand is recommended. See more nearby parking options.

VIP Passes are available at the info booth, which is located near the festival entrance at 4th and Beale St.

Vendor setup instructions will be posted at [midsouthpride.org/setup](http://midsouthpride.org/setup) approximately 7 to 10 days prior to the festival. Watch your inbox for updates.

Prime viewing for the parade is in the VIP Grandstand, which is located on Beale Street at Rufus Thomas Blvd, across from the Judge’s Stage. However, any point west of Rufus Thomas Blvd. will have a spectacular view.

At the Memphis Pride Fest, the Meet and Greet usually features a variety of special guests. These could include celebrity performers, notable figures from the LGBTQ+ community, and local activists. The specific lineup varies from year to year to keep the event fresh and exciting. We recommend checking our official website or social media platforms closer to the festival date for the most current information on who you can expect to meet this year. It’s always an incredible opportunity to connect with inspiring individuals!

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