Hudson Valley Pride March fills streets
The 14th annual event, celebrating the LGBTQ community, had the theme of 'Stand Together.'
The 14th annual Hudson Valley Pride March, a parade celebrating LGBTQ liberation, made its way along Main Street Sunday, drawing spectators and halting traffic for nearly an hour.
Among the participating groups were local high schools, religious congregations, civic organization, and businesses.
Most every Democratic candidate for New York’s 19th Congressional District seat also marched.
Jeff Rindler, executive director of the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center in Kingston, organized the event.
“A huge turnout, it shows that the community cares and supports the LGBTQ movement,” Rindler said. “Last year, it was pouring. This year it looks like there were close to 3,000 people here.”
The grand marshal for the parade was Kingston community activist Callie Jayne. She was joined by Woodstock student Hannah Peterson. Both were selected for their civic organizing.
Jayne blew bubbles from the back seat of a convertible car, while cheering spectators blew air horns and waved rainbow flags.
Other spectacles included several drag queens, all gussied up and dressed to impress.
“Stand Together” was the theme this year, a follow-up to last year’s “Taking a Stand.”
“We must not be silent when we witness attacks against our loved ones, friends and neighbors, because of our skin tone, immigration status, gender identity, age, religion or sexual orientation,” Rindler said. “We respond to these challenges with unity, resiliency and solidarity for the fights of all marginalized people.”