She said she’s glad the small group encouraging LGBTQ members to repent were there, because it demonstrated how few people oppose them and how many are accepting. “I’m here because I am a daughter, a mother, a cousin, a niece” and want to support the LGBTQ community “with all my heart,” Allerding said. Meanwhile, a crowd gathered around and chanted: “God loves gays! God loves gays!” There was a bit of tension when at Monument Square, a small group of men held Bibles and religious signs, with one speaking into a megaphone encouraging LGBTQ people to repent and “not live in sin.” But it was difficult to hear the man with the megaphone because “Dykes on Bikes” revved up their motorcycles to drown out his voice.
The parade proceeded down Congress Street to High Street and ended at Deering Oaks, where the festival was due to conclude at 5 p.m. “Honey, I’ve never been an insider myself.”ĭancers from Hustle & Flow Movement Studio of Portland wore black and gold skirts as they performed a lively dance before Chartreuse’s stage, just before the Portland Public Schools marchers came by, followed by a yellow and black school bus.Ī number of gay, queer and transgender groups marched, both the young and old. Bean group marched by holding “Be an Outsider” signs, Chartreuse made a joke. The parade host was a drag queen, Chartreuse, who on a stage wore a striking outfit of black and lime green with a flowing cape and a constant smile.
