Motor City Pride Shatters Attendance Records in Michigan
While music reverberated through the city, a sea of individuals, both young and old, congregated over the weekend at Hart Plaza to commemorate and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Motor City Pride, known as Michigan’s largest Pride celebration, originated over five decades ago in June 1972 with a gay pride march in downtown Detroit, marking the third anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York and demanding the repeal of anti-gay laws and full civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community. The event initially drew a modest crowd of 200 to 400 individuals.
Fast forward fifty-two years, the festival and parade have evolved significantly, attracting more than 65,000 attendees over the weekend to witness nearly 50 performers across four stages. Dave Wait, the chair of the Motor City Pride festival, expressed his excitement at the overwhelming turnout, emphasizing the dual purpose of celebrating pride and advocating for comprehensive rights and inclusion for all individuals.
Sunday’s festivities commenced with the annual Pride march, inaugurated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who highlighted the impact of political representation on LGBTQ+ civil rights. Whitmer underscored the strides made in expanding protections for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly after Democrats assumed control, leading to the enactment of full legal safeguards for the community. Last week, Whitmer officially declared June as Pride month.
The parade, led by Whitmer along with Attorney General Dana Nessel, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, weaved its way through the streets of Detroit, culminating at Hart Plaza. Elected officials like Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and various state senators and representatives also participated in the parade, demonstrating their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Major sponsors such as Delta Airlines, Jeep, MGM Grand Casino, Ford Motor Company, and Kroger played a crucial role in making the festival a success, reflecting the increased corporate involvement in supporting LGBTQ+ events. Despite the progress, Wait acknowledged the existence of individuals who harbor hate and disapproval towards the LGBTQ+ community, underscoring the importance of advocacy and mutual respect among neighbors.
In addition to the customary food and merchandise vendors, Motor City Pride featured several social service organizations and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups offering information and support to those in need. Stand with Trans, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Michigan HIV/AIDS Council were among the organizations present at the event, extending their services to attendees seeking assistance.
The festival’s remarkable turnout and vibrant atmosphere underscored the ongoing progress and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing the significance of advocacy, acceptance, and unity in fostering a more inclusive society.