Thousands of people dressed in tie dye, waving rainbow flags and holding signs lined the streets of downtown Melbourne on Sept. 27 to show support for Space Coast Pride Fest, and LGBTQ+ focused event.
A parade kicked off the festivities followed by a street fair with food, music and dancing. Suzanne Childers, 72, of Melbourne, was a parade participant dressed in a tie-dye shirt, red lace pants and a rainbow floral crown.
“Pride is important everyday, but it’s especially important today with all of our legislations being forced against freedoms,” Childers said as she passed out rainbow flags to spectators.
Space Coast Pride Fest held in downtown Melbourne despite some objections
This is the fourth year the event was held in downtown Melbourne, but it wasn’t without some controversy. At the Melbourne City Council Meeting this week numerous speakers voiced displeasure that the event was being held.
One speaker stated Space Coast Pride “centers on sexual expression” and questioned why the city was promoting it as a “family event.”
“On the surface it appears similar to a walk for cause, however, what is not shown is the actual activities that take place at this event,” she said. “Videos on social media present a different story. Drag queen performances with extremely provocative dancing and revealing outfits take place just feet away from children… Their minds are still developing and this innocence should be protected.”
At the end of the parade route, a handful of protesters reab Bible verses and waved signs saying they would pray for festival goers.
This year’s event was attended by a wide range of people from various age groups. Some people held signs with phases like, “Free Hugs,” while others passed out candy and other people yelled “happy pride.” One man used a megaphone to shout, “What does democracy look like?” while the crowd responded, “Democracy looks like this.”
Cocoa resident Holly Richardson, 29, attended the event with friends.
“In this day and age it’s good to come out and show support,” Richardson said as she shared an extra rainbow bracelet with someone she met at the parade.
Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Space Coast Pride festival, parade attended by thousands in Melbourne