PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Inclusivity was on full display Sunday on the Philadelphia Pride March and festival 2024. The biggest progress Rainbow Pride flag in America filled the street as protesters carried him down 6th Street.
Thousands came to the march and festival, and almost everyone who spoke to CBS News Philadelphia said the experience felt liberating. Aura Lee, a drag performer, said this is one of her favorite times of year.
“It makes me feel welcome, included, and like I finally have a safe place, which we all should have,” Aura Lee said.
Aura Lee said she was “over the moon” with excitement to perform on the main stage ahead of the headliner Sapphira Cristalborn in Philadelphia and runner-up on season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“I love Pride, I love going out and seeing everyone showcasing their talent and art, and I’m so excited about it,” she said.
The Pride Festival also provided space for queer-owned businesses to host pop-up shops, such as Queer Candle Co.
CBS News Philadelphia
Co-owners Alyssa Rose and Ab Gibson said they loved the chance to connect with queer customers and allies.
“We just enjoy being at queer-focused events,” Rose said.
Gibson said they enjoy the opportunity to show that people in the LGBTQIA+ community companies can own.
“As a trans person, I struggled in a fairly typical job, and when we started the company, one of the dreams was to eventually be able to make a living and create a welcoming work environment that we could run ourselves,” says Gibson. said.
READ MORE: Pride parades, events around Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware
Same-sex couples like Claire Jardel and Erica Estevez said they appreciated being able to celebrate their love openly.
“It feels so good to be able to be us and not have to worry about anyone,” Jardel said.
“For once we are being celebrated,” Estevez said. “It’s nice to be celebrated for a day, but also for a whole month.”
