Pride festivities show 'Oklahoma City has come so far'

A week-long celebration of LGBTQ pride and progress culminated with a Saturday parade and block party that many viewed as a symbol of Oklahoma City's growth as a more welcoming community.

“Oklahoma City has come so far — we were gone for about 10 years. I’m amazed at how awesome it is, how supportive they are," said Lisa Rondina, who recently moved back to Oklahoma from North Carolina with her husband.

Reva Thatcher, 45, of Dale, said she brought her four children out for Saturday's parade and block party, adding that she wanted to give “support and show love."

Her first time at Oklahoma City’s parade, Thatcher said she’s been to other Pride parades near her community and that the state continues to progress toward acceptance.

Mayor David Holt, who marched in Saturday's parade, said it was the largest crowd he had seen in any parade since becoming mayor last year.

Holt said it was important to demonstrate that all people are welcome in the city and all of those in the city are loved.

“As mayor, it’s my obligation to make sure that everybody feels that way here, and today, certainly, a day for a lot of love and a lot of support and you certainly felt that when you walked the parade route,” he said.

Holt said he supports Oklahoma City’s LGBTQ community as an important part of the city and the diversity and culture they contribute.

“From the very beginning of my campaign for mayor I talked about one OKC and the idea that I would represent all the people of Oklahoma City,” he said. “Well, there’s a lot of people here from Oklahoma City and I represent them, too.”

Also marching in the parade were Thunder general manager Sam Presti, leaders of the Oklahoma City Public School district and numerous elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn and state Rep. Forrest Bennett.

“Every community in Oklahoma needs to feel represented and heard and there’s a climate in the country right now that demands that those who are compassionate show those who need it the most that we are,” said Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, who held a sign that read, “I’m an elected official for LGBTQ+ equality.”

The parade marched into the 39th Street District as thousands of spectators lined the route.

Standing on the sidewalk watching the revelry unfold, Dan Hoganson said he came with his two young children and his girlfriend to have a good time and show support.

“We just came out to celebrate the pride weekend with everybody and support the gay community, the LGBTQ community,” he said. “It’s always a good time every year. It’s a celebration about freedom and love and that’s something we really believe in.”

Talking about his children, Hoganson said it was important that he brought them to teach them to believe “in freedom and love and to stand up for what they believe in as well.”

In addition to the lessons he can teach them, he said he wanted his kids to have fun.

“It’s fun. It’s a parade, kids like parades — they give out candy and stuff,” he said.