Happy Pride! This is a greeting I hear often today at the Twin Cities Pride Festival Parade. I made the annual journey to Downtown Minneapolis today with my wife, family, and friends to join others in raising awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues and celebrating our community’s diversity and inclusion. And as usual, what a hardy bunch it was. Neither torrential rain, gusty winds, nor the onset of a heat wave could deter this magical celebration of life.

And you would think with the constant attacks on Transgender rights, the 2026 ICE invasion of Minneapolis, which resulted in the senseless deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and the repressive statements and actions of the Trump administration. that there would be a pall over this year’s Pride celebrations. But what I found instead was a strong sense of resistance and an understanding that we are all joined together as a community to improve the world.

Pride Festival Attendees Were a Diverse and Feisty Group

Not even an assortment of bad weather could hold back these loyal Pride fans. There was a pre-Parade downpour, strong wind gusts as the parade began, and heat and humidity to end the afternoon. The crowd hardly seemed to mind.

Minneapolis was Welcoming, Proud, and Strong

The people of Minnesota made two powerful statements today. The first one was that you are welcome here and that you matter. The second one was that we help people to empower themselves and demand justice and equality for all.

Parade Begins with Its Usual Flair

It wouldn’t be a Twin Cities Pride Parade without the Leaders of the Pack…The Dykes on Bikes leading off the parade. Part camp, part defiance, and part fun, they never fail to liven up the crowd and prepare them for whatever follows behind.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Sometimes you have to let your hair down and just have some fun. Although there were some serious messages conveyed today at the Pride Parade, these folks still want to remind you to chill out, let loose, and enjoy life and your loved ones.

Let’s End it with a Bang

And the Twin Cities Pride Parade can never end without some silly high jinks from the folks from the Saloon. Every year, they end the parade with their colorful displays, their righteous dancing, and some downright naughty fun.

That’s What Friends Are For

Same time next year. Two groups of people who have met for 20 years at the same location to enjoy the parade together. And isn’t that what it’s really all about?