50th Iowa City Pride shows a rainbow of colors during first ‘Unity March’ – kwwl.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KWWL)– Typically Pride Fest is held in June in honor of the Stone Wall Riots. However, when Iowa City had to reschedule their events due to the pandemic, they chose October due to its significance in the LGBTQIA+ community.
October 1979 was the march on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. At the University of Iowa, 1970 marked the first year a gay student group took part in homecoming, beginning the Iowa City Pride Fest tradition.
Fast forward to now, Iowa City Pride is still evolving with its community. Instead of a parade, this year organizers opted for a Unity March, to show solidarity with other marginalized groups, as well as the wide spectrum they fall on.
“There’s a lot more people in the LGBTQIA+ community who want to join in, so it unites everyone together,” Ashlyn Hall said.
Their message remains the same even through all these years.
“Obviously everything is not equal, but it’s cool to see all the different ages here today, pushing together on the 50th one,” Nicole Brown said.
Many travel from far and wide to come to the Iowa City Pride Fest, to reach communities they might not normally have access to.
“My town is a small town, so it’s cool to see everyone coming together,” Brown said.
“Iowa City community has always been a particularly supportive place for people being their full selves,” Kristine Munoz said.
Colorful flags, hats, signs, and even umbrellas popped color in the streets of downtown Iowa City, as they marched as allies and members of LGBTQIA+.
Giving a home, and acceptance to those who need it the most.
“You should be loved, even if you aren’t straight. We don’t care who you love, we will always accept you,” Hall said.