PHOENIX - Thousands came together for the annual Phoenix Pride Festival Saturday.
The event was filled with food, live music and pure freedom. Event-goers like Natalie Massimi and Gabriel Taylor say more and more groups come out to the fest every year.
The two-day festival is designed to bring the diverse LGBTQ community together for a weekend of camaraderie.
“Just look around. There are so many people here who are just like you and there's a family here. If your family won’t accept you there so many open-minded people and just don't be afraid to be who you are,” Massimi said.
The pair says they love the warm and welcome vibes that come from a fest like this.
“It's okay to be gay and your family might not be accepting always but there's other people out there that can be your family,” Taylor added.
The event at Steele Indian School Park brought people from all walks of life out for a day of music, food and lots of bedazzling.
“A lot of glitter and a lot of glue,” Daniel Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez is from New York City and says Phoenix has done an awesome job of pushing acceptance for this community.
“I feel like I'm back at home, I feel at home here, it's amazing,” he added.
Team 12 had a chance to meet so many new faces at the event and many said the event is all about one thing.
“I say love first, love first, love everyone,” an attendee said.
Organizers say, it's been a huge success and continues to grow every year.
Phoenix Pride continues Sunday at 10 a.m. in downtown and will include more than 2,000 decorated vehicles and colorful floats.