Springfield Pride Block Party unites LGBTQ+ community through rain or shine
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Following the Springfield Pride Parade on Saturday, the celebration continued with a Block Party downtown.
It was a colorful celebration at Stearns Square in Springfield, with people embracing their true selves and showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.
'It's beautiful to see people come together no matter their race, religion, or sexual orientation,' said Maddy Rivera of Ludlow. 'It's a beautiful thing.'
Springfield holds fourth annual Pride Parade
Despite the rain, people still came out to celebrate one another, all while enjoying some food and live music. Attendees shared what their favorite moments were during the event.
'The drag queens, I love the drag queens here,' said Ivan Fentes of Springfield. 'They're beautiful, they dance amazing, and I just love seeing them on the stage, so colorful and vibrant.'
Many also saw this as a perfect way to continue the positive vibes following the Springfield Pride Parade.
'It's good to support one another, because you don't know what somebody's going through,' said Mariah Reyes of Springfield. 'If you're gay or whatever you decide, it's not just for a month, it's for the rest of your life. So to see people support, that is a beautiful thing.'
This gathering was a reminder that even in trying times, the LGBTQ+ community remains strong and united.
'There's a lot of policies that are being used against us, and it shows that we're still here,' Fentes said. 'We're not going anywhere, and we're always going to be loud and proud no matter the rain or sunshine or anything.'
Overall, many say this event left them feeling uplifted and connected.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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