DETROIT – All weekend long, Hart Plaza has been buzzing with pride.
June, of course, is Pride Month, and celebrations hit a fever pitch Sunday, June 8, with the Motor City Pride parade.
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Throughout the month of June, Pride events will occur in communities across metro Detroit. However, there’s something special about Motor City Pride, which attracts people from far and wide.
Michigan’s largest pride event had all the bright colors, pizzazz, and pageantry one would expect.
“It’s all about love, all that good stuff that you don’t get everywhere else,” said Craig Pacer, who traveled from Toledo.
It took him years to come out, but now that he’s openly gay, Craig says he’s bursting with pride.
“Coming to places like this was a breath of fresh air. You feel seen, you feel included, I feel loved,” Craig said.
It’s his best friend’s first pride parade.
“I’m just helping my brother because he came out, and I’m supporting him. I’m proud of him and love him; that’s why I’m here,” Chris Thompson said.
Chris says it’s important for allies to show up and support their loved ones.
“I want people to know that whoever you love, you love. We can’t help it. With me, I served the country. I took an oath for this country to protect every single person,” Chris said.
Jai Rodriguez is this year’s Motor City Pride Celebrity Grand Marshal.
“Now it’s more important than ever to find community, and one of the best things you can do is come to events like this,” Rodriguez said.
The former reality TV star believes Detroit knows how to throw a party.
“There’s something special about this. For me, it’s the community, and you can do that right here at Motor City Pride,” Rodriguez said.
Related: Jai Rodriguez Discusses LGBTQ+ journey ahead of Detroit Parade