“Knowing this is here makes you feel more accepted”

Six-year-old Avery Ahr, embodying the spirit of Denver Pridefest, sported a rainbow unicorn horn on his head and pink sparkles on his cheeks while surrounded by a posse of colorfully dressed loved ones.

“Pridefest is celebrating men that like to wear dresses,” Avery said.

Avery’s mom, Tricia, said she and a group of others went to Civic Center downtown Saturday because Pridefest — an annual LGBTQ celebration — is where her son can feel at home.

“We need to spread the understanding that not all men need to look or act the same way,” Tricia said. “I want my son to be able to walk into a bathroom and not

have someone ask him why he’s there or if he’s a girl.”

The feeling of community and equality defined the day as people filled the park with dancing, laughter and learning.

In the middle of the park, a group of queer teens ran inside an art installation boasting chalkboard walls and quotes about acceptance and love. They wore LGBTQ flags that, like superhero capes, billowed behind them.

Oliver Parson, 15, wore a transgender flag and wrote on the chalkboard wall about family.

“It’s good to have a safe place where you know people aren’t going to judge you,” Oliver said. “Knowing this is here makes you feel more accepted.”

Pridefest kicked off with a 5K run that ended at the Capitol, across the street from the festivities. The park was lined with food trucks, live music and vendors. Some booths were recruiting police cadets or distributing Lgbtq-centered health information — or selling books about lesbians in space.

Later in the afternoon, on the Capitol steps, the ninth annual Denver Dyke March and Rally promised a less male-centric area for people to be heard.

The festival’s promotion of unhindered self-expression was evident in the wild costumes, dance moves and hair colors.

Jennifer Mcnees and her 12-year-old son, Vaugn Grayson, could have made a rainbow jealous with their attire. Mcnees wore a rainbow tutu and tie-dyed shirt, while Vaugn opted for a rainbow sweatband that sprouted a rainbow flag.

“Our outfits are awesome,” Vaugn said.

Mcnees loved how Saturday — considered the family day of the Pridefest weekend — offered youths an opportunity to see they aren’t alone.

“I think there’s a deep resentment that abides in a lot of hearts,” Mcnees said, “but we’re here to say that showing love is the answer.”

Photos by Andy Cross, The Denver Post Zarah, one of many performers at Denver Pridefest, fires up the crowd Saturday. The event continues Sunday with a worship service, a parade and more.

The Pridefest crowd at Civic Center cheers on drag performer Zarah, who is from Denver’s Diva Academy.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post Ben Shettsline on Friday struts across Broadway on a crosswalk painted in rainbow colors for Denver Pridefest.