Pride month, which celebrates people in the LGBTQIA+ community, is celebrated during the month of June. June was designated pride month to commemorate the events of the Stonewall Uprising. As many cities do, Annapolis holds a pride parade. This year, the Annapolis Pride Parade took place on June 3rd. 

“This is my second year going to Annapolis Pride and I went with a few friends.” Rising sophmore Sophia Leon said. “Overall everyone was super friendly and supportive and I had an amazing time.”

The parade lasted from 12 pm to 5 pm and had many different organizations marching to celebrate. 

“My two experiences at Annapolis Pride have been overwhelmingly positive and I plan on continuing to go every year.” Rising sophmore Rio Miguez said. Pride Month and the Pride Parade are all about accepting different kinds of people. “Pride helps LGBTQ+ youth feel less alone and alienated because they get to be surrounded by other allies and other members of the queer community.”

Pride brings different people together, both allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride also means something different to everyone. 

“Pride is a time when members and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community can get together and celebrate being LGBTQ+,” Miguez said. Pride is very important to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. “Having pride is very important because it helps spread awareness about the community and it can help LGBTQ+ people feel more accepted and less like they don’t fit in.”

Having a Pride Parade and a Pride Month promotes acceptance in and outside the LGBTQIA+ community.

“By accepting yourself you allow others to accept you. If you are ashamed of yourself and don’t put yourself out there, you will never know. It is always important to show your true colors, even if it seems like no one will accept you for who you truly are.” Leon said.