Pearl Theater responds to comments on Pride event

In the wake of social media concern over the use of the Pearl Theater for a Pride event, board members say the building’s rental fits the theater’s guidelines.

“Regarding the upcoming Pride event: This event is a rental as well as a collaboration for the elements that fit into our mission statement,” board members said in a statement. The theater does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, handicap, sexual orientation or gender identity, members said. 

“The Pearl is excited to partner with this event on the elements that are supported by our mission statement, which is: ‘To foster the performing, visual, and creative arts throughout Boundary County for the education, entertainment, and inspiration of the community,” the board said in the statement. 

The board issued the statement in response to a flurry of social media posts following news that the Pride event would be held and organizers had rented the Pearl Theater for the event. The announcement drew a varied response with some contending the theater is supporting and organizing the event.

“This is not what we stand for in Boundary county, we all need to boycott the pearl theater,” a comment from Sonora Williams, on a local Facebook page read. 

The theater is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the building is available for rent. The Pride Committee is renting the facility and paying to use the Pearl as a venue.

In the board’s statement, trustees said the theater is supporting a community art project entitled "Pride in our Community," and a movie marathon featuring a variety of family-friendly films and the documentary, "Add the Words." 

Board officials said the movie marathon is being funded, in part, from a grant from Union Pacific.

"We are proud to partner with organizations like The Pearl Theater Inc. as we work together to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities," railroad officials said in announcing the grant. “We extend our best wishes for continued success as a vital local resource." 

Board members said a small portion of other grant funds were used to purchase art supplies and pay for use of the movie screen and projectionist.

“These funds represent approximately 1% of the Pearl's grant funding for the 2023-2024 performance season,” the board said in the statement.

Pearl Theater board members said they remain committed to their vision of nurturing excellence in local, artistic expression, and to providing opportunity within the community to share creative space.