- By Caroline Garrett, A&E Editor -
On Friday, September 30, the Triangle area held its 33rd annual Pride Day celebrating the LGBTQ+ population in North Carolina. Both Durham and Downtown Raleigh hosted street festivals in the afternoon and evening, and local clubs continued the party into the early morning. The day began on Harrington street for Raleigh attendees and Rigsbee Avenue for those in Durham, with booths featuring food, fun, games, raffles, local vendors, and of course, many varieties of LGBTQ+ pride flags everywhere. Advocacy organizations promoted sexual health and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people as well as allies. As the evening continued, music started to play, and the dancing and drag shows began.
For many attendees, though, the most special part of the day was not the fried food, free sexual health materials, or live performances, but the sense of acceptance, open-mindedness, and community. A sophomore at Meredith College, who wishes to remain anonymous, said “It was super fun to see people expressing themselves in all different kinds of ways…[from] glitter to fake wings, and it was nice to see people being unapologetically proud of who they are.”
If you missed this year’s Pride Festival, don’t worry! Every spring, Raleigh has a second LGBTQ+ festival called Out!Raleigh, and you can also check out the LGBT Center of Raleigh for more events in the area and Spectrum at Meredith College for LGBTQ+ representation on campus.
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