Twin Cities Pride Parade draws thousands to downtown Minneapolis
On Sunday, the Twin Cities Pride Parade attracted thousands to downtown Minneapolis, emphasizing the celebration of LGBTQ rights amid political challenges. The parade featured a diverse crowd, including drag queens and local government officials, who joined in the festivities. This year's event gained additional significance as Target, a longtime sponsor, withdrew support, leading local businesses to raise about $1. 3 million to cover the shortfall. Attendee Kendra Eull noted that the absence of Target highlighted the importance of grassroots support for the LGBTQ community.
Additionally, the celebration coincided with serious political developments, including the U. S. Supreme Court's endorsement of a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for minors. This ruling has raised concerns among advocates in states like Minnesota, which passed a “trans refuge” law in 2023. The parade's growth since its inception in 1972 underscores a significant evolution in LGBTQ visibility and rights advocacy.
As attendees enjoyed the festivities, an underlying tension about the political landscape persisted.