There was no rain, but a rainbow stretched down Beale Street as far as the eye could see. Actually, there were hundreds of them. On Sept. 27, the Mid-South Pride festival and parade was a gathering point for anyone that wanted to celebrate diversity and LGBT pride.
The Mid-South Pride festival and parade is the largest LGBT rally in the Mid-South, including Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi, according to the Mid-South Pride website. This year’s estimated turnout was between 8,000 and 10,000 people.
The crowds were cheering and taking photos. The parade had everything from drag queens and kings throwing bead necklaces to non-violence advocacy groups and churches. Even Santa was spotted walking down Beale Street.
Pride flags covered Fourth and Beale like a war had ended. But the battle for equality still rages on for the LGBT community.
“People should be open, free and be themselves. We should love each other no matter what. This is about human rights,” Temperence “Feather” Crittenden said. “There is a lot of hope and that’s what is going to change things.”
Internationally, 17 countries have legalized same-sex marriage. However, marriage equality is still a heated debate here in the United States. Only 19 states have marriage equality for same-sex couples and in 28 states there is no legal recognition for same-sex couples.
“We’re just like everybody else and the time is now. Everybody wants to have the right to be who they are,” Amanda Bolton, vice president of Mid-South Pride, said. “It’s not a gay marriage; it’s a marriage.”
In Tennessee, there are little to no legal protections for the LGBT community. There is a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in Tennessee and because of state statutes, civil unions and domestic partnerships are not alternative options. Same-sex couples who were married in another state are also not recognized in Tennessee. A few places in the state, including Knoxville and Nashville, have domestic partnership benefits.
For many this is not just principle – it’s personal.
“I was recently married in May in Arkansas. Unfortunately, here in Tennessee it is not recognized,” Patrick Pearson, the treasurer for Mid-South Pride, said. “We want people to know we’re your brothers, your sisters, your cousins, your children.”
The statistical data varies widely for how many American adults identify as LGBT. Getting those numbers is made difficult by many obstacles. In most states, LGBT communities don’t have anti-discriminatory laws protecting them from bias.
The Pride parade is also a way to bridge cultural gaps. For many, the festival is a way to gain exposure and help people understand and come together.
“If you’re not going to do anything else, be present. If people see us they’ll know we’re here for a reason,” Jennifer Murry, the Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator of Mid-South Pride, said. “We’re not going away.”
