Thousands of people celebrated the first ever LGBTQ Pride Parade in Naples, Florida. The celebration was about creating a fun and inclusive event that does not discriminate against gender preferences, race, nationality or gender orientation. There was an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 people in attendance to this first-ever party that happened in Cambier Park in downtown Naples, Florida. Naples Mayor Bill Barnett even made an appearance to show his support for the event and said that the event was a good community contribution and he also stated his hopefulness for more festivals to come.
There were rainbow flags big and small that were waving that day. These colors are the symbol of the unity and the solidarity of many different peoples of different backgrounds and orientations. The people in the event were proud of this and thus wanted to show everyone this very symbol of inclusivity. The event tore the traditional boundaries of race and sexual orientation and people were united and happy.
The people of Naples Pride Parade marched along the streets with a happy cheer and did musical performances and lots of uplifting speeches throughout the day that went alongside dancers and songs from a local chorus group. There were food and drink stalls everywhere that kept the participants’ vigor in high levels. The event was free and therefore was open to everyone willing to attend but the organizers were able to receive donations from charitable souls for the purpose of helping those who are in need and are at risk within the LGBT community. One of the organizers of the event said that it may help people who were forcibly evicted from rented spaces or can help a community member who is in need of medical treatment.
A crowd of people gathered in front of an outdoor stage and cheered as drag queens and dancers pranced around and did their stunts on that bright and sunny midday, though the numerous trees all over the park provided them with natural shade. There was also somebody who brought a pony in the event to the delight of the children and the photographers. People wearing rainbow colored skirts and costumes with equally colorful make up can be seen with big smiles on their faces as they walked and around safely, as the event was watched over by the local police, enjoying the sights and sounds of the party.
The guests in the event generally felt hopeful for the future of the LGBT community. All of them agree that it should not matter what a person believes or where this person is from, that all that matters is love. The two-time Olympic gold medalist Abby Wambach and her wife the New York Times Bestselling author Glennon Doyle Melton were both seen in the event enjoying themselves and welcoming the occasional interview crews that were around covering the event. She also gave a short but inspiring message on stage and told the crowd that this event shows that everyone is welcome in Naples.
People wait in anticipation for the next year’s event and for the other Naples Pride events that are to come. The Naples Pride is only one of the many happy events that you can attend in this city where everyone is welcome.
