Roughly 50 people showed their support for the LGBTQ+ community on Saturday morning, as they joined together for the Third Annual North Penn Pride March.
The event was organized by a 31-year-old man from North Wales named Elliot, who started the event in 2017 with a solo walk down West Main Street in Lansdale.
“The growth in support from 2017 to today has been positively affirming,” said Elliot. “We walk to show that we exist and won’t be marginalized or erased, and to signal our presence to those in the community who may feel isolated. We still have a long way to go, but the crowd today beautifully captured just how far we’ve come since Stonewall.”
Elliot said the response from motorists and residents was overwhelming positive, and though there was an occasional heckler shouting profanity in previous years, nothing of the sort occurred on Saturday.
“Absolutely I will walk every year, and live out loud and proud every day,” said Elliot, when asked if he will continue to organize the walk in future years. “The ceremony is especially important for setting a path for the next generations, letting them know they have a voice, they have a network who represents them, and they are loved.”
“Thank you to those who walked,” said Elliot. “To those struggling, I hope you remember you are valid, valued, and deserving of love.”
The group of marchers included past and present local elected officials, including former Lansdale Borough Councilman Ray Liberto, and current Pennsylvania State Representative Steve Malagari, who participated in the walk for the second consecutive year.
“It’s a wonderful expression of the diversity and inclusiveness of our community,” said Malagari. “I was proud to walk last year, and to see the growth and support for our LGBTQ+ citizens this year is inspiring.”
See also:
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