Parade participants of all stripes danced, sang, and tossed goodies to spectators. The new stripes, signifying “more colors, more pride,” are meant to highlight the commitment of the city’s Office of LGBT Affairs to be responsive to the concerns of LGBT people of color. A new variation of the rainbow-colored LGBT Pride flag, including a black and brown stripe, which debuted at Philadelphia City Hall on June 8, was visible but not prevalent along the parade route. Love, happiness, and acceptance was felt throughout the parade route. This is the 29th year that Philly Pride Presents has put together the Philadelphia Pride Parade and Festival, which draws revelers from across the country. She drove down from New York with her girlfriend Kacie Peters, 17, and another couple. “It’s been so much fun,” Kali Menendez, 19, said as she explained her joy. Since 1972 Philadelphia has been celebrating gay pride and the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots with a parade, but for many young people, the 2017 experience was fresh.
