PHOENIX — The Phoenix Pride Festival drew thousands of members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to Steele Indian School Park on Saturday to celebrate love, acceptance and inclusion.
This year's Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade theme is "Born This Way."
“It’s just a complete feeling of belonging… no second guessing who I am,” Amber Hatfield said. “…just fellowshipping with other people that are in the same lifestyle.”
Though Pride Month is held in June, October is Pride History Month and this two-day celebration is designed to bring the diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities together in cooler weather.
“Pride in October is an unusual and fun thing,” said Michael Taylor-Judd, who came from Seattle to attend. “Now is when it’s getting cold in other corners of the country, so it’s fun to come down and get a last little bit of sun.”
The festival features over 150 performances on seven stages and includes local food vendors, community exhibitors, and a health and wellness pavilion.
“Everyone is here together,” said Taylor-Judd.
Volunteers from groups across the Valley volunteer to be sure the community knows they are loved and supported.
“Happy Pride!” said Vonecia Sullivan-Hill, a volunteer with Blue Cross Blue Shield. “This is my jam. This is what I do. This is what I love, and this is my community."
“We’re actually the Blue Rainbow Affinity group,” Robbie Grandon, another volunteer, said.
“We are just very inclusive,” said Sullivan-Hill. “We’re very welcoming.”
This event, which is all about inclusion, raises money for the Phoenix Pride community programs.
“This is a place where people can feel welcome and feel safe,” Organizer Jeremy Helfgot said.
Helfgot said it’s also to educate the public about the existence and continuing civil rights battle facing the community.
“Even under law, members of the community are not fully recognized with full and equal rights,” Helfgot said.
Helfgot hopes this festival, which attracts tens of thousands of people, makes everyone feel accepted no matter what.
“…with no fear that anyone is going to do them harm in return,” Helfgot added.
The annual Phoenix Pride Parade will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday morning along 3rd Street between Thomas and Indian School roads.