PRIDE is the positive stance against discrimination towards the LGBT community. This year, Tucson citizens joined together on September 29 to celebrate the 40th PRIDE anniversary. The Friday night before the festival, many gathered downtown on fourth avenue for a parade to celebrate the lgbtq+ community.

Pride is a time for people to promote not only their self affirmation but also the equality that everyone deserves. These festivals and parades remind people that the lgbtq community is not dying and is very much alive. They will not give up and will continue to fight for true equality.

Different states within America have been hosting these events and marches to celebrate sexuality and take pride in themselves, whether they are lesbian, straight, gay, bisexual or transgender. Everyone gathers together and walks downtown carrying different lgbtq flags and signs to represent the pride that they hold in themselves. The Southern Arizona Foundation and Fourth Avenue team together to host different lgbtq events throughout Tucson. The festival consisted of positive vibes, good music, and taking pride in yourself and who you are as an individual. People wore all sorts of bright colored vibrant outfits with the colors of the rainbow. It was all about coming together as one, because in the end, we are all people and everyone should be able to be happy in their own skin. So if you’re passionate about the lgbtq community, just want to spread the love, or want to express yourself, consider going to the next pride. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.