NATION

Pride Month events celebrate LGBTQ communities

David Baratz
USA TODAY
Anthony Thomas, and his partner Nicolas Anderson share a moment together while getting married by Judge Nicholas Chu on Monday afternoon. At least twenty-four couples or more made their way to the Travis County ClerkÕs office in Austin to be married by Judge Nicholas Chu on Monday, June 26, 2023. All marriages that were taking place at The Travis County ClerkÕs office on June 26, 2023, were free, celebrating Pride month, marriage equality, and the eighth anniversary of the first marriage license to a same-sex couple in Texas.
Anthony Thomas, and his partner Nicolas Anderson share a moment together while getting married by Judge Nicholas Chu on Monday afternoon. At least twenty-four couples or more made their way to the Travis County ClerkÕs office in Austin to be married by Judge Nicholas Chu on Monday, June 26, 2023. All marriages that were taking place at The Travis County ClerkÕs office on June 26, 2023, were free, celebrating Pride month, marriage equality, and the eighth anniversary of the first marriage license to a same-sex couple in Texas.
Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community and supporters celebrated Pride 2023 at the Kilted Mermaid on Sunday, June 25, 2023, in Vero Beach, Fla. The family friendly event started at 3 p.m. with live music by Kacy Lolita. The 18+ party started at 7 p.m. and featured multiple drag performers.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community and supporters celebrated Pride 2023 at the Kilted Mermaid on Sunday, June 25, 2023, in Vero Beach, Fla. The family friendly event started at 3 p.m. with live music by Kacy Lolita. The 18+ party started at 7 p.m. and featured multiple drag performers.
CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT, TCPALM / USA TODAY NETWORK
People participate in the PrideFest at Festival Park in Fayetteville, N.C. on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
People participate in the PrideFest at Festival Park in Fayetteville, N.C. on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer/USA TODAY NETWORK
Drag artists Hannah Rae Rinse, left, and Sonja Simone get ready for a performance back stage at PrideFest at Festival Park on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Drag artists Hannah Rae Rinse, left, and Sonja Simone get ready for a performance back stage at PrideFest at Festival Park on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer/USA TODAY NETWORK
Crowd votes with cheers for the best runway walk-off at PrideFest at Festival Park on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Crowd votes with cheers for the best runway walk-off at PrideFest at Festival Park on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer/USA TODAY NETWORK
Egypt Goins, 4, hands out rainbow heart stickers to people passing the Things of Beauty 4 Your Soul booth at PrideFest at Festival Park on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Egypt Goins, 4, hands out rainbow heart stickers to people passing the Things of Beauty 4 Your Soul booth at PrideFest at Festival Park on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer/USA TODAY NETWORK
Billy Porter participates in the Empire State Building lighting ceremony to kick off Pride 2023 on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in New York.
Billy Porter participates in the Empire State Building lighting ceremony to kick off Pride 2023 on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in New York.
Charles Sykes, Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Patrick Carney, center, Co-Founder of Friends of the Pink Triangle, works with volunteers laying out pink tarps to form the shape of a pink triangle on Twin Peaks in San Francisco, Friday, June 16, 2023. Hundreds of volunteers installed the giant pink triangle made out of cloth and canvas and with pink lights around its edges last week as part of the city's Pride celebrations. It's an annual tradition that started in 1995 but this year's triangle is nearly an acre in size and can be seen up to 20 miles (32 kms.) away.
Patrick Carney, center, Co-Founder of Friends of the Pink Triangle, works with volunteers laying out pink tarps to form the shape of a pink triangle on Twin Peaks in San Francisco, Friday, June 16, 2023. Hundreds of volunteers installed the giant pink triangle made out of cloth and canvas and with pink lights around its edges last week as part of the city's Pride celebrations. It's an annual tradition that started in 1995 but this year's triangle is nearly an acre in size and can be seen up to 20 miles (32 kms.) away.
Haven Daley, AP
A pink triangle is seen on top of Twin Peaks behind the Castro district rainbow flag in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Hundreds of volunteers installed the giant pink triangle made out of cloth and canvas and with pink lights around its edges last week as part of the city's Pride celebrations. It's an annual tradition that started in 1995 but this year's triangle is nearly an acre in size and can be seen up to 20 miles (32 kms.) away.
A pink triangle is seen on top of Twin Peaks behind the Castro district rainbow flag in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Hundreds of volunteers installed the giant pink triangle made out of cloth and canvas and with pink lights around its edges last week as part of the city's Pride celebrations. It's an annual tradition that started in 1995 but this year's triangle is nearly an acre in size and can be seen up to 20 miles (32 kms.) away.
Jeff Chiu, AP
The Kentuckania Marching Pride Band marched in the Pride Festival Parade as it went from Campbell St. to Waterfront Park. June 17, 2023.
The Kentuckania Marching Pride Band marched in the Pride Festival Parade as it went from Campbell St. to Waterfront Park. June 17, 2023.
Scott Utterback, Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
People taking part in the Pride march through downtown Petoskey, Mich. head for the People's Corner on Sunday, June 18, 2023.
People taking part in the Pride march through downtown Petoskey, Mich. head for the People's Corner on Sunday, June 18, 2023.
Jillian Fellows, / USA TODAY NETWORK
Willow Rose, of Lakeland, spins her flow flagsâ during the Polk Pride 2023 Pride in the Park event at Munn Park in downtown Lakeland, Fla. Saturday. June 17, 2023.
Willow Rose, of Lakeland, spins her flow flagsâ during the Polk Pride 2023 Pride in the Park event at Munn Park in downtown Lakeland, Fla. Saturday. June 17, 2023.
MICHAEL WILSON, Lakeland Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK
From left to right, Sister Unity, Sister June Cleavage, and Sister Lida Christ, members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, stand with fans at the 53rd annual LA Pride Parade on June 11, 2023.
From left to right, Sister Unity, Sister June Cleavage, and Sister Lida Christ, members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, stand with fans at the 53rd annual LA Pride Parade on June 11, 2023.
Yannick Peterhans, Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY
A Grand Haven Pride Fest attendee is seen cheering during a drag show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The festival — which organizers had hoped would attract at least 500 attendees — drew thousands of people from all over who came to experience the first-time event's drag show, dance party and vendor-filled streets.
A Grand Haven Pride Fest attendee is seen cheering during a drag show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The festival — which organizers had hoped would attract at least 500 attendees — drew thousands of people from all over who came to experience the first-time event's drag show, dance party and vendor-filled streets.
Kristen Norman, AP
Grand Haven Pride Fest attendees are seen cheering at the start of the fest at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The West Michigan city celebrated it's first Pride Festival on Saturday.
Grand Haven Pride Fest attendees are seen cheering at the start of the fest at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The West Michigan city celebrated it's first Pride Festival on Saturday.
Kristen Norman, AP
Veronica Scott poses for a photo with a pride fest attendee during a drag show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The West Michigan city celebrated it's first Pride Festival on Saturday.
Veronica Scott poses for a photo with a pride fest attendee during a drag show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The West Michigan city celebrated it's first Pride Festival on Saturday.
Kristen Norman, AP
A Grand Haven Pride Fest attendee is seen cheering during a drag show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The West Michigan city celebrated it's first Pride Festival on Saturday.
A Grand Haven Pride Fest attendee is seen cheering during a drag show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The West Michigan city celebrated it's first Pride Festival on Saturday.
Kristen Norman, AP
Pride Fest attendees are seen getting ribbons to wave during a drag show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The West Michigan city celebrated it's first Pride Festival on Saturday.
Pride Fest attendees are seen getting ribbons to wave during a drag show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The West Michigan city celebrated it's first Pride Festival on Saturday.
Kristen Norman, AP
Dee Dee Chaunte is seen preforming during a drag show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The West Michigan city celebrated it's first Pride Festival on Saturday.
Dee Dee Chaunte is seen preforming during a drag show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The West Michigan city celebrated it's first Pride Festival on Saturday.
Kristen Norman, AP
Rev. Dr. Jared Cramer of St. John's Episcopal Church hands out bread during Communion at a pride worship service at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The festival — which organizers had hoped would attract at least 500 attendees — drew thousands of people from all over who came to experience the first-time event's drag show, dance party, and vendor-filled streets.
Rev. Dr. Jared Cramer of St. John's Episcopal Church hands out bread during Communion at a pride worship service at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The festival — which organizers had hoped would attract at least 500 attendees — drew thousands of people from all over who came to experience the first-time event's drag show, dance party, and vendor-filled streets.
Kristen Norman, AP
People march during the Capital Pride Parade in Washington, Saturday, June 10, 2023.
People march during the Capital Pride Parade in Washington, Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Jose Luis Magana, AP
People march during the Capital Pride Parade in Washington, Saturday, June 10, 2023.
People march during the Capital Pride Parade in Washington, Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Jose Luis Magana, AP
A group memorializing transgender people who died because of bias or hate in the U.S. marches in the Pride parade, Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Boston. The biggest Pride parade in New England returned on Saturday after a three-year hiatus, with a fresh focus on social justice and inclusion rather than corporate backing.
A group memorializing transgender people who died because of bias or hate in the U.S. marches in the Pride parade, Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Boston. The biggest Pride parade in New England returned on Saturday after a three-year hiatus, with a fresh focus on social justice and inclusion rather than corporate backing.
Michael Dwyer, AP
People march during the Capital Pride Parade in Washington, Saturday, June 10, 2023.
People march during the Capital Pride Parade in Washington, Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Jose Luis Magana, AP
People look on during the 53rd annual LA Pride Parade 2023 in Los Angles on June 11, 2023.
People look on during the 53rd annual LA Pride Parade 2023 in Los Angles on June 11, 2023.
Yannick Peterhans, USA TODAY
A man and child look on during the 53rd annual LA Pride Parade 2023 in Los Angles on June 11, 2023.
A man and child look on during the 53rd annual LA Pride Parade 2023 in Los Angles on June 11, 2023.
Yannick Peterhans, USA TODAY
People enjoy the sights and sounds during the 53rd annual LA Pride Parade 2023 in Los Angles on June 11, 2023.
People enjoy the sights and sounds during the 53rd annual LA Pride Parade 2023 in Los Angles on June 11, 2023.
Yannick Peterhans, USA TODAY
Ellen Tanouye creates soap bubbles for children at the 3rd annual Lodi Pride Festival at the High Water Brewery in Lodi on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Ellen Tanouye creates soap bubbles for children at the 3rd annual Lodi Pride Festival at the High Water Brewery in Lodi on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
CLIFFORD OTO, THE STOCKTON RECORD / USA TODAY NETWORK
A woman walks past rainbow colored balloons during the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, DC. On June 10, 2023.
A woman walks past rainbow colored balloons during the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, DC. On June 10, 2023.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS, AFP Via Getty Images
Fans wearing Pride-themed flags stand during the national anthems before a baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Minnesota Twins, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Toronto.
Fans wearing Pride-themed flags stand during the national anthems before a baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Minnesota Twins, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Toronto.
Mark Blinch, AP
Crowd members dance on the first night of the 2023 LA Pride in the Park concert at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Los Angeles.
Crowd members dance on the first night of the 2023 LA Pride in the Park concert at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Los Angeles.
Chris Pizzello, Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, below center, takes a selfie with drag performers, including MT Hart, below left, and Zayn X, below center right, during a Pride Month Celebration, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, on the steps of the Statehouse, in Boston. Healey said Massachusetts is a state that "prizes equality, protects freedoms, protects civil rights, protects the LGBTQ community, and that would be a broader message to people nationally."
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, below center, takes a selfie with drag performers, including MT Hart, below left, and Zayn X, below center right, during a Pride Month Celebration, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, on the steps of the Statehouse, in Boston. Healey said Massachusetts is a state that "prizes equality, protects freedoms, protects civil rights, protects the LGBTQ community, and that would be a broader message to people nationally."
Steven Senne, AP
Drag performer Neon Calypso, center, sings and dances to Tina Turner's version of the song "Proud Mary," during a Pride Month Celebration, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in front of the Statehouse, in Boston. The event included a performance of about a dozen drag performers at a time when some states have tried to target drag performances.
Drag performer Neon Calypso, center, sings and dances to Tina Turner's version of the song "Proud Mary," during a Pride Month Celebration, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in front of the Statehouse, in Boston. The event included a performance of about a dozen drag performers at a time when some states have tried to target drag performances.
Steven Senne, AP
A graduate wears a cap decorated with the transgender pride flag during a commencement ceremony for Iowa City High, Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa.
A graduate wears a cap decorated with the transgender pride flag during a commencement ceremony for Iowa City High, Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa.
Joseph Cress, Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
Students from North Eugene High School play with a rainbow parachute at the 4J Pride Festival on the football field next to the school Friday, June 2, 2023.
Students from North Eugene High School play with a rainbow parachute at the 4J Pride Festival on the football field next to the school Friday, June 2, 2023.
Chris Pietsch, The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
The 2nd Annual Athens Pride Parade marches through downtown Athens, Ga., on Saturday, June 3, 2023. The parade drew a huge crowd to the Classic City.
The 2nd Annual Athens Pride Parade marches through downtown Athens, Ga., on Saturday, June 3, 2023. The parade drew a huge crowd to the Classic City.
Joshua L. Jones, Online Athens / USA TODAY NETWORK
Drag performers help celebrate the annual Pride Night of the Washington Spirit between halves of a match against Racing Louisville FC at Audi Field.
Drag performers help celebrate the annual Pride Night of the Washington Spirit between halves of a match against Racing Louisville FC at Audi Field.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
The League of Step performing at the 2nd Annual Athens Pride Parade in downtown Athens, Ga., on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
The League of Step performing at the 2nd Annual Athens Pride Parade in downtown Athens, Ga., on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
Joshua L. Jones, Online Athens / USA TODAY NETWORK
Parade attendees reach out for necklaces and beads during the Memphis Pride Parade on Saturday, June 3, 2023, on Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn.
Parade attendees reach out for necklaces and beads during the Memphis Pride Parade on Saturday, June 3, 2023, on Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn.
Stu Boyd II, The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Pittsburgh Pride parade, celebrating 50 years of Pittsburgh Pride, crosses the Andy Warhol bridge from downtown Pittsburgh, Saturday, June 3, 2023.
The Pittsburgh Pride parade, celebrating 50 years of Pittsburgh Pride, crosses the Andy Warhol bridge from downtown Pittsburgh, Saturday, June 3, 2023.
Gene J. Puskar, AP
Guests visiting from St. Petersburg wear red shirts while gathering for a group picture at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Saturday, June 3, 2023. Although not sanctioned by Disney as an official park event, the wearing of red shirts at the Magic Kingdom on the first Saturday in June is a guests-generated tradition dating back to 1991 to show support for the LGBTQ community during national Pride month, which kicked off Thursday.
Guests visiting from St. Petersburg wear red shirts while gathering for a group picture at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Saturday, June 3, 2023. Although not sanctioned by Disney as an official park event, the wearing of red shirts at the Magic Kingdom on the first Saturday in June is a guests-generated tradition dating back to 1991 to show support for the LGBTQ community during national Pride month, which kicked off Thursday.
Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel Via AP
A guest wears a Pride-themed Mickey Ears hat at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Saturday, June 3, 2023.
A guest wears a Pride-themed Mickey Ears hat at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Saturday, June 3, 2023.
Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel Via AP
LJ Perry carries his son Gabriel, 9, on his shoulders before the Pride March and Protest in downtown Fort Collins, Colo., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. NoCo SafeSpace hosted the fifth annual event, which was led by Queer.In.Color and Splash Youth.
LJ Perry carries his son Gabriel, 9, on his shoulders before the Pride March and Protest in downtown Fort Collins, Colo., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. NoCo SafeSpace hosted the fifth annual event, which was led by Queer.In.Color and Splash Youth.
Lucas Boland, The Coloradoan Via USA TODAY NETWORK
At center, Audrey Perry, 9, holds a flag during the Pride March and Protest in downtown Fort Collins, Colo., on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
At center, Audrey Perry, 9, holds a flag during the Pride March and Protest in downtown Fort Collins, Colo., on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Lucas Boland, The Coloradoan Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Harlow McManus, 5, smiles in Oak Street Plaza Park during the Pride March and Protest in downtown Fort Collins, Colo., on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Harlow McManus, 5, smiles in Oak Street Plaza Park during the Pride March and Protest in downtown Fort Collins, Colo., on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Lucas Boland, The Coloradoan Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Kellie Divine of the Athens Showgirl Cabaret performing at Athens Pride and Queer Collectives Pride Anthem Drag Show Pride Month Kickoff at Akademia Brewing in Athens, Ga., on Friday, June 2, 2023. The Athens Pride and Queer Collectives Pride raised money to aid gender-affirming care at the show.
Kellie Divine of the Athens Showgirl Cabaret performing at Athens Pride and Queer Collectives Pride Anthem Drag Show Pride Month Kickoff at Akademia Brewing in Athens, Ga., on Friday, June 2, 2023. The Athens Pride and Queer Collectives Pride raised money to aid gender-affirming care at the show.
Joshua L. Jones, USA TODAY NETWORK
Mama Faux performing at Athens Pride and Queer Collectives Pride Anthem Drag Show Pride Month Kickoff at Akademia Brewing in Athens, Ga., on Friday, June 2, 2023.
Mama Faux performing at Athens Pride and Queer Collectives Pride Anthem Drag Show Pride Month Kickoff at Akademia Brewing in Athens, Ga., on Friday, June 2, 2023.
Joshua L. Jones, USA TODAY NETWORK
Students from North Eugene High School play with a rainbow parachute at the 4J Pride Festival on the football field next to the school Friday, June 2, 2023 in Eugene, Ore.
Students from North Eugene High School play with a rainbow parachute at the 4J Pride Festival on the football field next to the school Friday, June 2, 2023 in Eugene, Ore.
Chris Pietsch, The Register-Guard Via USA TODAY NETWORK
People march following a Pride rally at the Utah State Capitol Friday, June 2, 2023, in Salt Lake City.
People march following a Pride rally at the Utah State Capitol Friday, June 2, 2023, in Salt Lake City.
Rick Bowmer, AP
People march following a Pride rally Friday, June 2, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) ORG XMIT: UTRB101
People march following a Pride rally Friday, June 2, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) ORG XMIT: UTRB101
Rick Bowmer, AP
Aza Rose, center, leads chants with a megaphone during the Pride March and Protest in downtown Fort Collins, Colo., on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Aza Rose, center, leads chants with a megaphone during the Pride March and Protest in downtown Fort Collins, Colo., on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Lucas Boland, The Coloradoan Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Sister Tootie Toot, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, talks about the significance of the Progress Pride Flag being raised over the Hall of Administration in Los Angeles, on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Sister Tootie Toot, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, talks about the significance of the Progress Pride Flag being raised over the Hall of Administration in Los Angeles, on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Dean Musgrove, The Orange County Register Via AP