Pride Parade 2023 Celebrated on Gay Street

The annual Knox Pride Parade was held Friday evening and the event blended protest and joy, confrontation and affirmation, and hope with reality. The reality in Tennessee is that anti-LGBTQ legislation increasingly holds sway. Numerous bills in the state legislature this year targeted drag queens and transgender citizens. The parade, framed as a return to its protest origins, included elements of that among the mix.

The joy and affirmation of the event, however, remained a constant. Rain tapered off as the parade began, producing a rainbow that portended the exuberance to come. The Free Mom Hugs (and a few dads) paraded with their positive message and “Y’all Means All” signs sprinkled the proceedings. Lots of laughs and hugs and general jubilation formed a thread through it all. If protestors were present, I missed them.

Lots of companies had employees marching in the parade, which was led by employees of Warner Brothers Discovery. South Press Coffee, Mini of Knoxville, Tombras, Hard Knox Roller Derby, Cardinal Health, CORE Knoxville, Club XYZ, Pirate Tavern, Knox Box, WUTK, Kroger, Sheer Inspiration Pole Fitness, US Bank, and others joined the mix. While some of those might seem politically predictable, others are taking a chance to take a stand.

Numerous organizations also joined the mix, including the YMCA, Knoxville/Knox County Homeless Coalition, at least one Girl Scouts Troop, Planned Parenthood of East Tennessee, UT College of Social Work, a number of Labor Unions,  and the McNabb Center. The organizations included churches, such as First Methodist Oak Ridge, Church Street UMC, and Church of the Savior United Church of Christ. I’m sure I missed others.

The parade also included at least one out of town Pride group with Upper Cumberland Pride joining the proceedings. The City of Knoxville sponsored a contingent, including Mayor Kincannon. The Knox County Democrats had a contingent, as did candidates Representative Gloria Johnson and Amelia Parker. The political divide could not have been more clear.

Beyond the politics, there remained a lot of fun. Music and dancing permeated every step with groups or individuals simply cutting the rug and having a blast. Blue Shirt Guy (AKA Michael Galyon) strutted his moves. Lots of hugs were passed between marchers and fans. More than any other parade that comes to mind, this one merges crowd and participants in a joint celebration. It’s a party, it’s a parade, it’s a celebration. It’s a night that Knoxville looks like a great place for everyone.

Full run of photos below (click to enlarge):