ANNAPOLIS–Thousands of people dressed in rainbows, costumes and homemade signs flooded the streets of Downtown Annapolis on Saturday to attend the Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival. The annual event spotlights LGBTQ+ visibility through performances by local artists, advocacy and community engagement.
This year’s festival was originally scheduled in May but postponed due to inclement weather. The event featured nearly 200 vendors, two main performance stages, food trucks and over 100 parade groups. The parade wound through the historic streets of Annapolis. This year’s theme was “Growing in Pride. Growing in Community.”
“I think it’s a powerful reminder of the connection between self identity and collective strength,” said Jake Trudeau, Annapolis Pride Board Chair. “Building a more inclusive community means showing up for one another, creating a space for every single voice, and recognizing that the value of diversity comes in all forms.”
Trudeau became the new board chair on Oct. 1. His main goal is to create an Annapolis Pride community center.
This year Col. Bree Fram served as the festival’s grand marshall. Fram is an astronautical engineer, colonel in the U.S. Space Force, and transgender rights activities. She is currently on administrative leave, pending separation due to a presidential policy signed early this year that prohibits transgender people from serving in the military.
“She represents courage, leadership and the ongoing fight for equality, not just within the LGBTQ+ community, but institutions where visibility is often coming at a cost,” said Trudeau. “Her participation really reminds us of the progress we’ve made and the work that’s still ahead.”
The festival took place at Maryland Hall grounds and the Bates Athletic Complex. Featured performers include The Naptown Brass Band, Madisun Bailey, and The Gathering Gloom. Festival goers were able to listen to local acts, wander the vendors and connect with others in the community.
“The creativity and freedom of expression that is here is the reason I came,” said Shirley Kirby, Annapolis Pride festival goer. “I am happy to come out, show my support and be with my community.”
The first Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival were held on June 29, 2019 with nearly 6,000 people in attendance. The festival has continued to grow in attendance since its inaugural year, according to organizers. County Executive Stuart Pittman recently delivered a proclamation announcing this October as LGBTQ+ history month.
“Everyone is trying their hardest to uplift one another in this weird time we are living in,” said Celeste Beauvilaire, festivalgoer and University of Maryland student.