Denver PrideFest Festival is the Colorado’s largest regional celebration of the LGBT community. It is a fundraiser for the GLBT Community Center of Colorado, which is a non-profit organization that serves more than 47,000 people annually with programs for LGBT people, training, and legal programs.
According to the GLBT Community Center of Colorado, the Denver PrideFest is the third biggest pride festival in the United States with about 375,000 annual attendees.
This year more than 180 different organizers participated in the parade, which started in Cheesman Park around 09:30 AM, to west on Colfax Ave and ended at the Civic Center. The festival also included live performance on three states, as well as over 200 food and drinks vendor.
Hundreds of police officers were in attendance to provide security, with many departments choosing to take part in the parade itself.
Aurora police Sargent Chris Amsier holds the hands of his husband Manuel, as the couple, surrounded by supporters, took part in the festival.
Representative Jared Police, who is Democrat represents Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District. He is the first openly gay parent in Congress. Today he spoke about a new legislation that he has been working on to support the LGBTQ community. Recently Polis announced that he is running for governor.
Although the PrideFest started originally as a gay pride parade, it has evolved into a family event where the community comes together.
"I honestly think it's about people finding themselves and being proud of who they truly are," Brianna Favela said.
"(The festival) showing unity and support for all sorts of groups who are the minorities in America," Lina Kyle added.
Chris Williamson called it "Just an event where you can just be yourself and free of just prejudice and people judging you."
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