Pride on Beale Parade
On June 3, Robert Church Park and Beale Street in Memphis were abuzz with excitement as 100 organizations and thousands of attendees came together to celebrate the Memphis Pride Festival and Pride Parade. Hosted by Mid-South Pride, the event coincided with the third day of Pride Month and a significant legal victory, as Federal Judge Thomas L. Parker ruled the Adult Entertainment Act, often referred to as the drag ban, unconstitutional.
Vanessa Rodley, the president of Mid-South Pride, highlighted the growth of the event, which has been a staple of Memphis LGBTQ activism since 1976. The parade, a vibrant and colorful spectacle, drew locals and visitors alike, all adorned in rainbow-colored attire and waving flags of various sizes.
Among the parade's highlights was a Cirque de Soleil-style float and a striking pink police car, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere. Attendees expressed the joy of being able to express themselves freely and comfortably during the parade.
Major sponsors of the Memphis Pride Festival included First Horizon Bank, Nike, and Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare. Various organizations, such as Neshoba Church, Suntrust Bank, the Memphis Grizzlies, and Central Station Hotel, participated in the event, showcasing the community's support for diversity and inclusivity. To discover more about Mid-South Pride and its initiatives, interested individuals can find additional information online.
