Annual pride festival brings hundreds despite weather
FREE MOM HUGS: Holding a sign titled “Free Mom Hugs”, Mindy Seger (left) embraces a parade participant. “Some of our LGBTQ youth and adults don’t have mom hugs,” said Seger. “I had a gentleman tell me today he hadn’t gotten a hug from his mom in a long time.”
October 23, 2019
Friday, October 11th through Sunday the 13th brought about the annual Atlanta Pride festival. Each year a parade is held, showcasing different organizations that support the LGBTQIA+ community. Despite the perpetual showers and less-than-ideal temperature, the parade and festival brought many out to come watch and participate.
DANCE CIRCLE: Attendees of all ages jumped into a dance-off at the TRUTH station. The winner was to receive a free skateboard. TRUTH aims to end tobacco use, including smoking and vaping, nationwide.
REPRESENTED: The Grady High School Gay-Straight Alliance, led by juniors Isaiah Ramsby and Gabby Merit, marched in the pride parade. They were joined by other GSA members, such as sophomore Carmen Dunn and junior Honey Harmon.
FREE MOM HUGS: Holding a sign titled “Free Mom Hugs”, Mindy Seger (left) embraces a parade participant. “Some of our LGBTQ youth and adults don’t have mom hugs,” said Seger. “I had a gentleman tell me today he hadn’t gotten a hug from his mom in a long time.”
DRUMROLL, PLEASE: The Atlanta Falcons brought out a lively drum line to perform in the parade. They were all smiles as the crowd cheered them on.
PRIDE FOR ALL: People of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures came out to enjoy pride. This did not exclude dogs, who happily walked in the parade on Sunday, sporting colorful gear.
ALL AROUND LOVE: Though people not involved in the parade were not allowed in the parade route, another “Mom for Hugs” stepped onto the street to embrace a police officer.
