Photos and story by Sarah Dixon-Morgan / Contributing Writer
Thousands of marchers lined the streets of Nashville on Saturday morning to kick off the Nashville Pride Festival, which has celebrated “ lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer people and culture in Middle Tennessee since 1988.” Groups were lined up well before 9:30 a.m., and the “Equality Walk” officially started at 10 a.m.
It was a parade that celebrated inclusion and equality as companies, churches, apartments, universities and other groups gathered to show their pride.
For many, it was a day to be with those who are like-minded and welcoming of all lifestyles. Throughout the parade, there were many individuals who stopped to talk to people from church groups and businesses to thank them for their support.
Leading the Equality Walk is the Pride Queen, welcoming everyone to the Nashville Pride Festival in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, June 23, 2018. (MTSU Sidelines / Sarah Dixon-Morgan)
A participant in the walk carries a sign that reads, “We are all humans,” in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, June 23, 2018. (MTSU Sidelines / Sarah Dixon-Morgan)
Even dogs get in on the Pride action. This one displays its support for the cause with a festive hat in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, June 23, 2018. (MTSU Sidelines / Sarah Dixon-Morgan)
Cracker Barrel participated in the Equality Walk, handing out small flags while walking with a large banner and Pride flag to show support for their LGBT community in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, June 23, 2018. (MTSU Sidelines / Sarah Dixon-Morgan)
This flag represents the unity of the American flag and the Pride flag, expressing both patriotism and pride in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, June 23, 2018. (MTSU Sidelines / Sarah Dixon-Morgan)
Dell is well-represented in the Equality Walk as employees wear matching shirts that read, “Be Yourself,” in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, June 23, 2018. (MTSU Sidelines / Sarah Dixon-Morgan)
An Equality Walk participant carries a large Pride flag, displaying the bright colors of the rainbow and symbolizing equality for all in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, June 23, 2018. (MTSU Sidelines / Sarah Dixon-Morgan)
Local church Holy Trinity Community Church shouts to the cameras, “The only message the Bible says is love,” in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, June 23, 2018. (MTSU Sidelines / Sarah Dixon-Morgan)
Bi Tennessee marches in the Nashville Equality Walk, displaying their sign to show their unity and pride in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, June 23, 2018. (MTSU Sidelines / Sarah Dixon-Morgan)
Journeys is represented in the walk with a large following of tie-dye wearing equality marchers carrying flags and smiling for the cause in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, June 23, 2018. (MTSU Sidelines / Sarah Dixon-Morgan)
A simple but meaningful message is displayed during the Equality Walk in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, June 23, 2018. (MTSU Sidelines / Sarah Dixon-Morgan)
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