“You are welcome here,” Flint’s 14th annual Pride Gay Festival draws thousands

FLINT, MI – Rainbows reflected in the sparkling waters of the Flint River as thousands of people flocked to Riverbank Park to celebrate Flint’s 14th annual Gay Pride Festival.

With a stage, a varied program of performances, over 60 vendors, free HIV tests and a sensory and children’s area, the “Flint Pride in the Park” event was in full swing from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Stevi Atkins, co-founder of Flint Pride and CEO of Wellness Services, Inc., a Flint-based organization, recognized the need for a Flint Pride event 14 years ago and has watched its growth with pride over the years.

Since 2011, the Pride event has been held in downtown’s Riverbank Park, which gave the event the public visibility that Atkins felt it needed.

“I’m building something here so people feel like my hometown supports me and I have access to other people who have a similar identity to me,” Atkins said of why she started getting involved with Flint’s Pride.

Flint U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee made a special appearance on stage, as did other officials, including the newly formed Michigan LGBTQ+ Commission.

“Every day, decisions are made that affect our humanity. Let’s make sure those decisions are made by people who share our interests and values ​​and believe that we can all live together as equals,” said Congressman Kildee at his final Flint Pride event, speaking as a Congressman.

Kildee introduced the Equality Act last year, a law designed to prevent discrimination in employment and housing. He is a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus.

After the Congressman, the show began with dynamic drag performances by PerryDox, Angelica, Sage, Syrinx, Raven and Monica Devereaux.

Performances by 15 different artists then took the stage to bring the Pride event to its grand finale – the miniball competition.

The participants received awards in the categories “Best Dresses”, “Flint’s Got Talent”, “Runway” and “Vogue”.

On stage, Scotty Paul made a surprise marriage proposal and asked his partner Geoff Hubbard to marry him.

Hubbard, completely taken aback, happily said “Yes.”

Hundreds of people crowded into the amphitheater’s concrete seats to enjoy the performances, while hundreds more walked around and interacted with one of the 60-plus vendors.

Last year’s Pride event attracted around 5,000 visitors and an estimated just as many are expected this year.