The Utah Pride Festival was this weekend. Brian set up a campaign booth, so I volunteered a couple hours on Saturday and a couple more on Sunday. It was a beautiful weekend, and it was interesting to see so many people out and about, so to speak.
This year's festival was the biggest ever in Utah, and there was a lot going on. There were tons of booths and two stages. Saturday afternoon, I got to see Hell's Belles, an AC/DC tribute band made up totally of lesbians. And that night, En Vogue performed. Suddenly, it was 1993 all over again.
There was a small group of protesters at the main entrance. They were ignored, for the most part, which I think frustrated them more than anything.
After En Vogue's show Saturday night, there were a pair of DJs spinning on the main stage, so we stayed and danced for a while. Those gays sure know how to party.
Though the festival actually started on Friday, Sunday is always the biggest day, mostly because of the parade. It's the second largest parade in the state, and it's actually quite impressive. Toward the front was the always charming Dykes on Bikes. Gotta love 'em.
Brian had a good crew marching with him in the parade. I would liked to have marched, too, but the Air Force might have a bit of a problem.
There were floats from tons of support groups and clubs, including this one from the SLC Metropolitan Community Church. I think it's great that there are solid spiritual communities out there for everyone.
Mmmmm. Roller derby girls.
The Grand Marshal this year was John Amaechi, the former Utah Jazz player who came out of the closet last February.
This year's theme was "United for Equality." One of the greatest things about Pride is seeing the diversity of everyone there. And, obviously, it's not just gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people. Lots of people show their support, and I'm sure it means a lot. It was a fun weekend, and I'm glad I got to go again. Plus, I was given so many free condoms that, at the rate I'm going now, I'll probably use by November of 2983.
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