COVINGTON, Ky. — The Northern Kentucky Pride Festival kicked off at noon on Sunday, with a parade through the streets of Covington. Several booths lined up in the Goebel Park area off of Mainstrasse Village—including the Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students in Education.
“It’s just really important to show that you’re seen and heard no matter who you are,” member Ella Pieper said.
Another booth at the festival was the Free Mom Hugs Kentucky booth. It allows for those who may not have a great support system around them to receive that from others.
“Where adults, moms, dads, friends, aunts, uncles, could offer support to those members of the community,” said Susan Drummer with the organization.
NKY Pride Center’s chair Bonnie Meyer said there have been strides towards equality in recent years.
“There certainly have been some advancements over the last ten years or so but we still see LGBTQ folks facing discrimination, facing bills and legislation that regulates their lives—banning life-affirming care for transgender youth, banning trans folk from being able to participate in sports,” Meyer said.
But work still needs to be done and Pride festivals help the cause.
“It’s important to have pride festivals. It’s important to have the representation for the community. It’s important to pull together, to come together and celebrate who we are. But it’s also important to recognize that there’s still a lot of work that still needs to be done. You know LGBTQ people are part of every single population of people so all issues are LGBTQ issues,” Meyer said.
