Durham to Unveil North Carolina's First Gay Pride March Historical Marker
Durham is set to unveil North Carolina's first gay pride march historical marker on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The marker will commemorate 'Our Day Out,' the state's first LGBTQ+ pride march, which took place on June 27, 1981. This historic march was catalyzed by a violent homophobic attack on April 12, 1981, in Durham County, which resulted in the death of Ronald Antonevitch, a 46-year-old father, and injuries to three others. Although Antonevitch was not part of the LGBTQ+ community, the attack was widely perceived as being motivated by homophobic assumptions, galvanizing queer North Carolinians and sparking outrage. Vigils were held, and activists quickly organized the march, marking a shift from mourning to collective action. The marker will be unveiled at 501 West Main Street in Durham, near the Museum of Durham History, around 10 a.m. Following the unveiling, the LGBTQ Center of Durham plans to host its Pride Parade at 12 p.m. at Duke University East Campus.
