Pride month’s roots go back to June 1970, starting with a riot against police brutality at the Stonewall Inn in New York.
While most of the country celebrates Pride in June, Phoenix celebrates in October thanks to the heat. This weekend, festivities will take place at Steele Indian School Park. 50,000 people are expected to attend.
Phoenix Pride spokesman Jeremy Helfgot said the festival will include a free parade Sunday morning, live entertainment, and exhibits by local organizations and businesses.
He said the festival is a welcoming place for people to be themselves. And it also sends a message to lawmakers aiming harmful rhetoric and laws at the queer community.
“We’re gonna be mere miles from the Arizona state Capitol,” said Helfgot. “So it’s a strong and powerful message about the resilience of the pride community, about the importance of the pride movement.”
Helfgot says that even as the community faces struggles and violence, the festival is a place for celebration.
“We welcome everyone,” he said. “Members of the LGBTQ+ community, but also our allies and folks who may be inexperienced with the LGBTQ+ community. People who might be curious to see what things are about, explore the culture.”
