'To be here means freedom:' Thousands celebrate love and inclusion at Milwaukee's 20th Pride Parade

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- On Sunday, June 8, 2nd St. in Walker's point turned into a community party as a mile of fun filled pride kicked off the 20th Milwaukee Pride Parade.

Thousands of people celebrated and recognized this year's theme; 'remember, resist, rejoice.'

"We have to remember those who have struggled and even died for us to be here that's why June is Pride Month. All those who sacrificed before us those who walked so, we could run," said Moon Sigman a attendee. 

This is Moon Sigman's first year at the parade.

"To be here means freedom for me," said Sigman.

Sigman says she came for the parade but found herself in the middle of a full-blown festival.

"I love our community we are such a welcoming and opening community. I didn't expect it to be so big there's so many people there's so much awesome energy it's a blast," said Sigman.

Thousands lined the street, dressed up, dancing and cheering as they watched more than 200 floats blast music and throw candy.

Jason Korrf has been coming to Milwaukee's Pride Parade for 15 years. He says the welcoming atmosphere never gets old.

"I just love the inclusivity of everybody and just the hometown feeling of pride," said Korrf.

As 2nd St. is filled with color, music and celebration, Oakley Lopez says it's important to rejoice even when tensions are high.

"We aren't certain how things are going to look for us so the ability to have pride just in general is incredibly important for our community," said Lopez.