FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) --To celebrate national pride month, the 10th Annual Northwest Arkansas pride parade was held Saturday (June 18) in Fayetteville.
Ed Laningham has been an activist in the LGBT community in northwest Arkansas for more than thirty years. He said after the Orlando shootings he wasn`t worried about a little rain keeping people away.
“I was thrilled to see how big it`s gotten, how many people came out today...that fear did not keep people away...that people are out here gay and straight to support one another and support our community,” said Laningham.
This is the largest Pride celebration in Arkansas but people from other states also marched in the parade.
This was Joshua Youngblood’s fourth year to be in the parade with the Unitarian Church. He does it for his children.
“I always come out because well I am a straight guy in a regular what you would consider a traditional marriage . I have three sons and I want them to know how much I support everyone and how strongly I believe in equality and love,” said Youngblood.
Kimberly McGuire came out to support her friends in the LGBT community which she said is now more important than ever.
“The whole Orlando thing didn`t quite hit me until this week. It was a rough emotional time and I`m glad that I`m here just to give support and be fearless and not let hate stop love,” said McGuire.
Northwest Arkansas Pride will also have a interfaith fellowship gathering with a potluck Sunday (June 19) from 12:30 to 1:30 at Spirit of Peace on west maple street. The event is free.