KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Pride festivities this weekend in Kansas City are as much about celebration as they are about visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.
"It really means showing up," said David Brinkerhoff, the owner of Fountain Haus, a beacon of pride in Kansas City. "Right now, it's so important with what's happening in our country and the divisiveness and all the hate that's going on, it's time for us to really show our pride, be visible. Come see the community, our community, and see how much love we have."
The LGBTQ+ community will be out celebrating this weekend with a parade Saturday in Westport and a festival through the weekend at Theis Park.
"Realize that they see themselves in someone else who might identify with them," Brinkerhoff said. "And it's so important for us to be those role models."
The founder of transoutloud.com, April Marshall, said visibility is a huge part of Pride.
"To see people higher and higher profile that are transgender, it inspires me and I hope that I can inspire others to be who they truly are," she said.
Marshall said KC Pridefest 2023 is a chance for people to see they aren't alone.
"Give yourself the opportunity to be around community and to meet others, to see what's out there and to celebrate yourself," Marshall said.
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