Following the Kids' Marathon on June 1st, I made my way back to Staten Island for another appearance: The LGBT Pride Parade and Festival. It was an honor for me to show my support for LGBT Community on the first day of Pride Month.
Prior to the parade and festival, hate crimes against this community were at an all-time high. It definitely raised some concerns that protestors could be on the parade route. I knew, though, that this was event I had to be a part of. Everyone deserves the freedom to be true to who they are.
I arrived at the start of the parade and was introduced to the Parade Coordinator, Paul, and his husband, who was going to be my driver! I was excited to see my car - a convertible Volkswagen!
I met the men and women participating in the parade and then got settled in my car. My parents usually walk the parade, but this time they got a ride, too! We rode through St. George and Tompkinsville displaying pride and support. We enjoyed some pretty great music along the way, too : ]
The parade concluded, but the day wasn't over! We were dropped off at Tompkinsville Park, the location for the LGBT Pride Festival. I spent some time walking around, meeting people, and checking out the stands set up throughout the park. I was even interviewed by Staten Island's LGBT Community Center.
It was a fantastic day filled with so much love and spirit. Of course, as I write this one month later, DOMA has now been eliminated and the LGBT Community is making their voices heard. If we all stand together, and support one another, we will one day live in a society that truly provides "liberty and justice for all."