INDIANAPOLIS -- 120,000 lined the streets of downtown for Saturday’s Cadillac Barbie Indiana Pride Parade.
Almost 200 groups, a record number, participated in the parade celebrating the LGBT community, the culmination of Circle City IN Pride Week activities.
While it features marching bands and floats like other parades, many of those participating or attending say this parade is more important. “We’re still in the Bible belt, but I have seen a lot of change in the past couple of years, and I am really excited about it. It gives me a lot of confidence,” said Mitchell Baker.
“It’s like a big group of family here. Everybody feels at home,” said Courtney Guidry, another parade spectator.
The parade is usually popular with elected officials, and this one was no exception. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett marched in the parade, as did John Gregg, Democratic candidate for governor and State School Superintendent Glenda Ritz.
The parade was held on the same day as the opening of a new exhibit on the LGBT community at the Indiana Historical Society. “A Visual Journey; From AIDS to Marriage Equality” chronicles the last 30 years of LGBT history in the state.
