Michigan’s gay and lesbian community put on their biggest yearly event in Detroit this past weekend.
It was the third year for Motor City Pride in downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza.
The crowd at this year’s Pride was bigger than ever. It was also diverse, ranging from teens to families with young kids to some older folks.
The events were equally wide-ranging, with everything from drag shows to family picnics.
Jackie Stoll was there with the group Dignity Detroit, which represents Catholic members of the LGBT community.
Stoll says Pride is a chance to both “come out” to the wider world—and within that community. “It is an opportunity to let others in the community know that we’re here, that there are Catholics among the LGBT community, and that our faith is important to us,” she says.
Other events included a “March towards Equality” through the streets of downtown Detroit, and a commitment ceremony.
For volunteer Celeste Markey, Pride is simply about “celebrating being gay—and proud of it.”
“Trying to get the awareness out there to the community—Detroit, and the whole state of Michigan—that we’re out there,” says Markey. “Trying to get equality for marriage, for jobs, not to get fired…things like that.
“This is the best event to come to. And you’re with other people like you. It’s wonderful.”
