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Inaugural Pride Parade Draws a Large Crowd in Oxford
Inaugural L.O.U. Pride Parade began today, May 7, in Oxford, Mississippi.
On Saturday, May 7, the inaugural LGBTQ+ Pride Parade went around the Courthourse Square amid applause and cheers from a large crowd of people standing in the streets and even from the balconies.
The crowds were not deterred by the hot Saturday afternoon as they clapped, cheered and gathered beads from smiling faces of people walking in the parade. Young children, elderly people and every age in between were seen adorned with rainbow flags and signs declaring, “No Hate in My State!” There was a small group of people gathered near the Confederate statue in front of the Lafayette Courthouse with the state flag of Mississippi and a large Christian flag. They quietly protested the parade despite being outnumbered by people brandishing rainbow flags and peace signs.
University of Mississippi graduate student, Matt Kessler, is the organizer behind this widely-received parade.
He said in an earlier interview: “I love Oxford. However, the city sorely lacks public spaces for the LGBTQ community. At the Sarah Isom Center, we’ve been dedicated to trying to think of new ways to create those types of public spaces and events. A Pride parade just seemed like a good fit.”
The parade is a part of the L.O.U. Pride Weekend. On Sunday, May 8, the Oxford Film Festival will screen “Struggles and Celebrations of Being Out in the Deep South” at The Shelter on Van Buren in co-sponsorship with Crossroads Film Society at 4 p.m., free of charge.
Numerous people gathered in the Ford Center parking lot to prepare for the parade.
Dogs were a part of the pride parade, too!
More people began showing up, and many climbed up to balconies such as the Square Books’ balcony.
The parade went from the Ford Center to the Square to the Depot. The parade marchers were greeted with cheers.
A large crowd greeted the parade with cheers and applause.
Artists of Oxford gathered to march in the Inaugural Pride Parade.
Water Valley citizens also showed up!
This flag was seen flying in front of Ajax restaurant on the Square.
Many people also gathered at Boure and Rooster’s balcony to watch the parade as it marched back to the Depot.
The parade concluded at the Depot station.
Callie Daniels Bryant is the senior managing editor at HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at callie.daniels@hottytoddy.com.
| Mon, Nov 4 |  | vs Long Island University | W, 90-60 |
| Fri, Nov 8 |  | vs Grambling | W, 66-64 |
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Lisa Howorth
May 8, 2016 at 11:05 am
A great success! Thanks to everybody who marched and supported the parade, to Theresa Starkey and staff at the Sarah Isom Center who got the ball rolling, and to the Oxford Police Department, who did a great job protecting and respecting the event. So fun!