A burst of color and celebration filled the streets as the 2024 CU Pride Fest brought together a vibrant crowd this past weekend. Lively music, cheerful chants and rainbow flags painted the scene, where everyone was full of life. Participants shared joy and unity while watching the parade, creating an atmosphere of inclusivity that echoed through the heart of the community.
A passionate supporter who has attended three pride festivals in her journey is Alexis White. When asked what keeps her coming back each year, White shared a personal reflection on her experience. “I got to find other people who were like me,” she stated. “It’s been empowering to connect with people who understand my journey, people I never expected to meet. Pride fest has given me a sense of belonging that I didn’t know I was missing.”
When asked what message she hoped people would take away from pride celebrations, White mentions that “you can love anyone you want to without having any prejudice or hate against you.” For White, pride is about breaking down barriers and encouraging everyone to live authentically without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Her hope is that the celebration will inspire others to embrace who they are, free from societal pressures, and to create a world where everyone can thrive as their true selves. When asked what challenges she believes still exist for the LGBTQ+ community today, White said, “Not being able to express how we feel, even through family members, friends and just in general having that struggle to communicate who we are,” she shared. For White, the difficulty of opening up to those closest to you remains a significant hurdle. The struggle for open communication and acceptance undermines the need for ongoing awareness and empathy.
For White, true support goes beyond the parades and celebrations, which is “accepting who we are, no matter what day or month it is.” It is about recognizing and embracing the LGBTQ+ community every day, not just during pride month. “Support is an ongoing commitment,” she emphasized.
As the festivities at the CU Pride Fest came to a close, one sentiment remained clear: love and acceptance must extend beyond the colorful celebrations. For many like White, pride is not just an event, but a reminder of the continuous fight for equality and the importance of embracing each other’s differences.
In her words, “love is love, and everyone deserves to feel that without fear or judgment.” This message resonates far beyond the festival, reminding us that true progress comes from creating a world where love, in all its forms, is embraced every day.
