'Loud and proud': Phoenix Pride Festival draws crowd in spite of storms, heavy rain
Heavy rain washed down Saturday afternoon only about two hours into Saturday’s Phoenix Pride Festival at Steele Indian School Park. Still, hundreds converged for the 41st annual event.
A sense of community drew Adrian Echeverria, 22, and Gia Echeverria, 18, both from Gilbert, to the two-day event. This was the siblings’ first Pride event.
“(It's about) being in a safe space where I feel comfortable to be myself,” Gia Echeverria said about making it to Phoenix Pride. “I think that’s why it’s important that we come out here.”
Gia and Adrian say Florida's Parental Rights in Education bill, referred to by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which restricts the teaching of LGBTQ topics in public school, as well as the overturning of Roe v. Wade weighed on them.
“They’re obviously coming for women’s rights” and trying to “take away our rights,” said Gia, who identifies as lesbian.
Adrian worried gay marriage could be threatened, making this weekend’s celebration all the more urgent.
“I think it’s great that everyone is out here, loud and proud and pushing against that,” said Adrian, who identifies as gay.
He said partaking in Pride is an act of resistance in today’s political climate.
“Not just this weekend, every day.”
White tents for vendors and services sprawled out over the Steel Indian Park grounds.
Jessi Hans, communications vice president at Spectrum Healthcare, stood at the company’s booth handing out swag items to passersby and visitors. The LGBTQ community’s needs, she said, have been underserved and being at Phoenix Pride was part of the north Arizona-based company’s outreach efforts.
Bel Blossom, 20, of Chandler, walked the festival donning a black, gray, white and purple flag, celebrating asexual identity. Embracing identity brought Bel to Phoenix Pride.
Bel identifies as agender and thinks it is important to show off a wide spectrum of sexual orientation identities.
“A big thing in the asexual community is that not everyone feels welcomed in queer spaces,” Bel Blossom said.
The short-lived but heavy rain did not appear to discourage Phoenix Pride revelers, some of whom could be seen running to the gates as they got poured on.
“In terms of trends, things are looking really good,” said Phoenix Pride spokesperson Jeremy Helfgot about attendance this year, noting the organization was expecting a “full crowd and a lot of happy people” for the Saturday evening.
The Phoenix Pride Parade was slated for 10 a.m. Sunday starting at Third Street and Thomas Road and gates to the festival open at noon.
Reach breaking news reporter Jose R. Gonzalez at jose.gonzalez@gannett.com or on Twitter @jrgzztx.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Pride Festival draws crowd in spite of rain
