Thousands fill the streets of Milwaukee for annual Pride Parade

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Thousands came out to the Walker's Point neighborhood Sunday to celebrate LGBTQ rights during the annual Pride Parade in Milwaukee.

This year's theme was 'The Future is Ours', which organizers say was indented for people to express their optimism for progress in spite of adversity.

"This is my first time and I'm having loads of fun," said Lilly Battistell, an attendee from Milwaukee.

"I'm very happy to be here and I really wanted to support the community," Milwaukee resident Frankie Berta said.

It was the first time in parade history drag performers were chosen as grand marshals. Eleven drag king and queens lead the parade route and for performers who attended, they said it was a special moment to experience.

"Things are heightened on many levels towards many communities, not just the LGBTQ community," said T.J. Rosbach, who lives in Milwaukee. "I am a drag performer and there's some personal things attached to that, but as a community we will always band together."

For other parade goers like Rudy Ledesman of Milwaukee, he said the day was about promoting queer joy and advocating for gay rights, which he said is currently under attack.

"I feel very fortunate especially with what's going on in Florida and Tennessee," Ledesman said. "I'm really happy to be in Wisconsin."

Celebrating pride was also a time to reflect on the progress made so far and staying hopeful for what the future holds, Rosbach said.

"Drag queens, you know, we started stonewall. We started a lot of different activities and activist," said Rosbach. "Things are being overturned in other states and hopefully it's movement in the right direction and will continue to fight for our rights like we always have."

With more than 150 units taking part in the parade, organizers said it was the largest group in the organization's history.

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