‘It’s pretty cool to see so many people who are all like me’: Birmingham celebrates Pride

Birmingham’s 47th annual Pridefest wrapped up this weekend, but not before a festive pride parade brought out revelers in colorful dress to the city’s Lakeview District Saturday night. 

Drag queens perched on top of cars rode down the street, tossing colorful beads to bystanders. Some participants marched, others rollerbladed, and many clapped their handheld fans and danced their way through the boisterous parade. 

“I’m here to support my sister!” Ebony Tindle-Harris said, with a cheer and a laugh. “I love it. I come every year.”

Meanwhile, it was Katie White’s first ever Pride event. 

“I love it,” White said. “It’s pretty cool to see so many people who are all like me.”

Cassidy Bonner wore a light up costume that was something between a cape and wings.

“(At) Pride, you feel love,” Bonner said. “Some people are here because they have to be here, but it is all love.” 

Others, like Sarah Buchanan, spoke about the political element of Pride. 

“Pride is, was, and always will be a protest,” Buchanan said. “So coming here and also protesting the horrible things that are happening in this world and then also celebrating our pride and being joyful, that’s why I’m here and that’s why it’s important.”