Rochester Pride Parade

IUE-CWA Local 81381, Federation of Social Workers, walked in the 25^th annual Rochester, NY Pride parade on July 19, 2014.

The theme was “Unmask Your True Colors” and the Local’s participation was in support of the Rochester community as well as our LGBT brothers and sisters.  We walked as part of the Labor contingent, along with members from CSEA, SEIU1199 and PEF.  The local LGBT community and allies were loud and proud along the entire route, numbering in the 1000’s. 

The parade marchers, almost 90 groups, consisted of local LGBT and allied organizations, politicians, and people who just wanted to be part of the celebration.  Everyone’s enthusiasm added to the party atmosphere; waving to the crowd, shouting out “Happy Pride” and making as much revelry as one could possibly imagine. 

There were prizes awarded in a number of categories, and the marchers went all out trying to claim at least one of them.   The parade wound through what’s known as the East End area of the city, ending at the festival site for a party like no other.   As one of the marchers commented, “People don’t know what to expect, but they end up having one of the best times ever!”