SPOKANE, Wash. — This year's Spokane Pride is just a few weeks away and organizers are looking to introduce new technology this year.
Local software developer Robbi Anthony said she was approached by "Out Spokane," the group that organizes Pride in Spokane every year.
Organizers asked her if it was possible to make an app for Spokane Pride since bigger cities like Seattle have seen great benefits from having one for the event.
Now, for the first time ever, Spokane will have its very own Pride app that will help people follow the 2019 parade route, find out more about the activities surrounding pride and act as a safety resource.
"When sometimes people first go to pride, whether to be an ally or they are a member of the community themselves, you don't have a lot of guidance of what to expect and so this might be a really good way for someone to get that information, understand where they should be going and feel welcome from day one," Anthony said.
She said one of the features she's excited about is the geofence that will surround the event. This means users will get a notification welcoming them to Pride 2019 as soon as they enter the area where it takes place.
Anthony said she is also hoping that this app will be a way for people to connect and become aware of LGBTQIA events all year.
The app is already available for download in the Google Play store and should be available in the Apple Store soon.
Anthony also helped develop a mobile app that will be the first of its kind in the entire nation as a resource and tool for people of the transgender community.
The app, called "Solace," is a tool that transgender individuals can use to map out their transition, while receiving the most accurate and credible information.