Durham Will Unveil First Pride March Historical Marker
The marker commemorates the 1981 Our Day Out pride march, which followed a tragic homophobic attack in Durham County.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in LGBTQand
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On October 3, 2026, Durham will commemorate the state's first gay pride march, Our Day Out, with an official historical marker at 501 West Main Street. The unveiling ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. near the Museum of Durham History.
Why it matters
The marker honors the resilience of the local queer community following a violent 1981 homophobic attack at Little River. It acknowledges the historical significance of North Carolina's first pride march, which took place in the aftermath of that assault.
The commemorative marker honors the first North Carolina pride march held on June 27, 1981. The marker unveiling is scheduled for 10 a.m., followed by a pride parade at Duke University East Campus at 12 p.m.
The players
Ronald Antonevitch
He was a 46-year-old man who died in a 1981 homophobic attack at Little River.
LGBTQ Center of Durham
This community organization is hosting a pride parade following the historical marker unveiling.
The details
The historical marker serves as a permanent testament to the events of 1981, marking the transition from a period of targeted violence to a organized call for LGBTQ+ rights. The ceremony precedes a pride parade hosted by the LGBTQ Center of Durham at the Duke University East Campus.
Timeline
April 12, 1981: A homophobic attack occurred at Little River in Durham County.
June 27, 1981: The first LGBTQ+ pride march in North Carolina took place.
October 3, 2026: The historical marker unveiling and pride parade are scheduled to occur.
Culture Shift
The establishment of this marker reflects a broader societal shift toward documenting and memorializing the grassroots origins of LGBTQ+ activism in the American South. This effort aligns with a growing movement to recognize the historical trauma and triumphs of marginalized communities through official state recognition.
Residents and visitors should anticipate pedestrian traffic and potential gathering crowds near 501 West Main Street during the morning unveiling ceremony. Following the marker dedication, the parade at Duke University East Campus will serve as a central public event for the local community.
The takeaway
This event serves as an educational opportunity for residents to engage with the history of the LGBTQ+ community in North Carolina. Families and community members can attend the public unveiling to learn more about the civil rights milestones that occurred in the city.
What happens next
The historical marker unveiling is scheduled for October 3, 2026, at 10 a.m., followed by a parade at 12 p.m.
Further reading
For more on the history of the pride movement in the area, visit the LGBTQand section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Public Radio East.
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