A local celebration returns to promote acceptance and freedom
Hundreds of people took over main arteries in Seaside for the Monterey County Peninsula Pride Celebration and Parade.
“To reassert the fact that we’re gay and that’s fine,” said Mona Kendrick of Prunedale. “It should not be an issue. Enough with the hatred.”
Tyller Williamson is the brainchild behind the event. He said it’s been ten years since the peninsula has had a Pride Parade. He decided to bring it back as a way of building on the political energy brought on by the election.
“There is so much hate and bigotry out there,” said Williamson. “If I can just change one person’s heart today by allowing them to see that this is a family friendly event. We’re here out of love and we all have nothing but respect for each other.”
Some of the people marching told KION they’ve definitely seen and experienced a change in tone against the LGBTQ Plus community since the new presidency. There is also fear of conservative push back in hiring, adoption rights and same sex marriage.
“We need to press play not press pause,” said Nicholas Elias of Monterey. “We need to keep moving forward and never go back.”
President Trump has said same sex marriage is settled and that he is fine with the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize it.
The event concluded with a celebration at the Oldemeyer Center with speakers, vendors and break out rooms.
“We need to be able to feed off of each other’s experiences and the knowledge that we have,” said Williamson. “Really just take advantage of this opportunity.”
Event coordinators said they plan to host more festivities and gatherings in the future.
