PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Pride March and Festival on Sunday marked 52 years since the city’s first Gay Pride parade. Over the years, Philly Pride has grown in size, visibility and inclusivity, but this year’s theme, “Be You,” reflects the ideals of LGBTQ Pride, a celebration of uniqueness, community and queer joy.
Hundreds of people gathered Sunday morning for the Pride March, which began with the unfurling of a 400-foot Pride flag — the largest in Pennsylvania, and the largest in Philadelphia history.
Philly Pride is a special day — and a moment — that’s nearly a decade in the making for Kassidy, who says it’s her first time taking part in the march.
“I’ve been doing this transformation for nine years — and I like how I look — and I believe that I can meet more trans people like me,” she said.
Kay, who says they got out of their shell to participate, said this was their first time marching, too. “I wanted to be somewhere with a lot of other people I can relate to.”
The procession stretched from Independence Hall to the city’s Gayborhood, the site of a vibrant community festival, which organizers say is Philly Pride’s biggest yet. More than 200 food trucks, local bars, vendors, artists, makers, entertainers, nonprofits and community organizations lined the streets. There was a tribute to Philadelphia’s ballroom scene, a sober space, and attractions for kids and families of all sorts, as well.
Kassidy says the festival represents an opportunity for countless people, like her, to be themselves without fear.
“It lets people that haven’t come out, come out, and be happy with who they are and to meet more people like them — so then they don’t feel alone,” she said.
The event’s theme, “Be You,” is one that Kassidy wants everyone to take to heart: “Just be who you are. Don’t hide.”
Abbi, who has marched before, says she brought her family with her this time.
“I’m pretty lucky,” she said. “A lot of families aren’t super supportive, which sucks. So I try to take it with a grain of salt. I’m super grateful and if other people can appreciate my family’s love, with the hugs, then that’s all it’s about.”