Union County hosts first Pride festival at Monroe park

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — This weekend, Union County celebrated its first Pride festival at Monroe Belk Tonawanda Park.

Organizers said they started working on this event in March and hope it would bring together the LGBTQ community and its allies.

The event had 50 vendors, drag performers, and food trucks. Community members such as Jose Grogan said the event made him feel seen and accepted. Grogan attended the event with his husband and three children.

“We didn’t let fear deter us from anything and we wanted to make sure that our kids understand what Pride truly is. Which is to move forward and not stand behind,” Grogan said.

“This is huge because Union County is not the most diverse community or not the most accepting community,” Cristal Robinson with Union County Pride said.

Protesters who did not agree with the county’s decision to host the festival attended the event as well.

“We’re not really an organized group. We’re just Christians who go to groups like this to share the gospel of Christ,” protester Stan Pressley said.

Organizers said they had anticipated some protesters, and said it was a reminder to them that while some people in the community will not accept them, there are others who will.

(WATCH BELOW: Charlotte Pride parade photo removed from museum at request of Gaston County manager)

Charlotte Pride parade photo removed from museum at request of Gaston County manager

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