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The truth is out there. While you might not find all the answers at Platform Beer Company’s Pride Martian 5K, you’ll make contact with runners, beer, and a festive Pride atmosphere, as the event celebrates Pride while raising funds for local LGBTQ+ organizations.
"Platform Beer Co. is a long-time supporter of local LGBTQ organizations," said Brittany Foster, Marketing Director for Platform Beer Company. "We wanted to host the first Pride Martian 5K at our home taproom location and offer a way for our fans to contribute locally to the cause while drinking amazing beers. The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland is committed to welcoming all people, and so is Platform Beer Co.
"The Martian series is a fun, dynamic storyline that we continue to share and grow with our fans. We are bringing these beers to life, literally, with our Martian character. The Pride Martian character will be at our supportive retail partners throughout the summer, bringing awareness to the Pride Martian 5K Race and to the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland."
This close encounter takes place June 11 outside Platform Beer Co. and is named for Pride Martian, a Pride-themed sour ale with summery hints of watermelon, cherry, and pineapple. Pride Martian is part of the brand’s Martian Series, a line of five specialty sour ales that include; Blue Martian, fermented with blueberries, Red Martian an over fruited with fruit punch, Pink Martian filled with pink guava and mango, and Midnight Martian featuring blackberries.
Pride Martian 5K participants are encouraged to bust out their flashiest, most unique Pride-related ensembles or don their finest futuristic Martian attire—the winning costume will score a $250 Platform Beer Co. gift card. All participants will receive a race shirt and Platform Beer Co. brew at the post-race party. A portion of proceeds from every 5k registration fee will benefit the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, which offers programming, events and services to Northeast Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community.
"The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, which has been serving the area for over 45 years, continues to focus on advocacy, support, education, and celebration," said Foster. "Like the LGBTQ Community Center, Platform Beer Co. understands the importance of collaborating and partnering with organizations and businesses in our community. We are thrilled to be able to come together to support this great cause."
But the giving doesn’t stop there: Platform Beer Co. will host a “Non-Profit Tuesday,” in May. 24 where fans can enjoy Pride Martian within their flagship taproom. $1.00 of every beer sold will be donated to the local LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. In addition, throughout the state of Ohio, $5 from every case of Platform Beer Co.’s Pride Martian Beer (up to $5,000) will be donated to Stonewall Columbus, which works to increase visibility, inclusion and connection for the LGBTQ+ community, creating a place where everyone can thrive.
"Community support from local businesses such as Platform not only speaks to their commitment to our organization’s mission but also sends a message to all within our collective networks that there is a level of commitment from them to the work towards achieving social equity and justice for all," said Matthew Graves, Director of Development and communication for The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland to Right Down Euclid.
"The importance of diversity and inclusivity is not and should never be just limited to one calendar month," Graves continued. "As we say: 'Pride is movement, not just a moment.' While Pride Month has continued to celebrate the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community in the last half-century, there are still 335 days where all facets of our community should accept one another for our individuality."
The race registration fee is $25 until June 3, and $35 after June 3. To register online for the Pride Martian 5k, visit platformbeerco.com/pride-martian-5k. The race starts from Platform Beer Company at their Lorain Avenue location. While this is the inaugural event, this will likely be a staple for years to come for Platform Beer Company.
"We plan to host the Pride Martian 5K Race every June and continue to give back to our local LGBTQ+ community organizations," said Foster. "Please join us this year on June 11. Participants are encouraged to bust out their flashiest, most unique Pride-related ensembles or their finest futuristic Martian attire. The winning costume will score a $250 Platform Beer Co. gift card. All participants will receive a race shirt and Platform Beer Co. brew at the post-race party. A portion of the proceeds from every 5K registration fee will benefit the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland."
The Pride Martian 5K is a wonderful initiative that can give back to Clevelanders in the LGBTQ+ community. Those who are interested should sign up. If you're unable, there are plenty of other ways to get involved according to Graves.
"You can volunteer, donate or immerse yourself and your organization in one of our trainings on how best to be an ally," said Graves "You can support local groups that support our Northeast Ohio LGBTQ+ community. Perhaps most importantly –advocate. Speak out against the continued injustices that are currently facing the LGBTQ+ community. Continue to engage in promoting an inclusive community, one that supports, without question, all for who they are and not one that tries to forcibly tell them who they are."
Evan Dammarell is a sports journalist covering all things Cleveland right off the shores of Lake Erie. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Email him at evan@downeuclid.com. Did you enjoy this edition of Right Down Euclid? You can get it in your inbox two to three times a week by subscribing here. All it takes is either your Facebook account or email address!
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