This edition is a follow-up to our Ecotones, recorded on May 1st, featuring Keldon Joyner, chief organizer of the 2024 Bozeman Pride Celebration, which had required an addendum with Sheriffs Department Precinct Captain, Joe Swanson, after the bombs threats directed at Bozeman LGBTQ individuals and businesses on May 3rd, 4th and 5th.

Nonetheless, the week long Pride Celebrations began on Monday, May 27th, and ended on Sunday, June 2nd. A full day of celebration on Saturday June 1st began with a rally on the Bozeman Public Library. KGVM was there, recording the speeches, and then at the Emerson, where the lawn was ringed with resources and community organizations.

Because of security concerns, we first spoke once again with Captain Joe Swanson and Bozeman Police Chief, Jim Veltkamp, about how they had prepared for possible problems.

The rally was MC’d by Alotta Shadow, and featured A Land Acknowledgement by Mo; Bozeman Deputy Mayor, Joey Morrison; Bozeman City Liaison, Sara Rosenberg; this year’s Pride Celebration Key Organizer, Keldon Joyner/Anita Shadow; and Missoula State Representative Zoë Zephyr.

After the stirring speeches, we headed over to the Emerson to check out the scene there. What follows is a pastiche of some of the folks who had set up booths. We asked them 3 simple questions: Who are you? What is your organization, and why are you here at Bozeman Pride 2024.