On the streets of Springfield’s Pridefest
On May 21, 2022, members of the LGBTQ+ community, their friends, and family were in downtown Springfield for the start of Pride season in central Illinois. Springfield PrideFest featured a parade, a drag show, and a lot of the colorful revelry you’d expect from this kind of event.
This Pride Festival comes at a fraught time for people in the LGBTQ+ community around the country. Numerous states have passed or are considering laws targeting transgender youth. There are also laws and legislation restricting what teachers can say even about same-sex relationships in their classrooms.
21st host Brian Mackey visited PrideFest to hear more about what was on people’s minds as they celebrated.
PrideFest Springfield, IL for all those who came out fighting before us, those fighting right now around the world, and those we are fighting for who will follow in our footsteps. #TransIsBeautiful #LGBTQIA #BLM #SlavaUkraini pic.twitter.com/CnwRKl6o4k
— Roger ������️����️⚧������☠️ (@RSlightom) May 21, 2022
Prepared for web by Zainab Qureshi
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