‘You are welcomed here’: VA Pride set for Saturday in Richmond

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Mayor Levar Stoney raised a Pride flag over Brown’s Island today to commemorate LGBTQ Pride week in Richmond.

“The LGBTQ Richmonders deserve to know their city stands beside them and stands with them,” said Mayor Levar Stoney.

Pride week is sponsored by Virginia Pride, a nonprofit organization that seeks to unite the segmented LGBT communities throughout the Commonwealth.

“When you see yourself represented in such a public way and you see that the city is saying to LGBTQ people that we want you here that you are safe that you are welcomed here that goes a long long way,“ said President Virginia Pride James Millner.

The VA pride fest is the region’s largest annual celebration of the LGBTQ community.

“We have multiple businesses, dozens of business that are participating with pride flags and doing pride specials in their restaurants," said Millner. “We have a whole hotel that’s lit up in rainbow colors at night downtown."

This family-friendly event will have a variety of food vendors, activities, and entertainment.

“It’s going to be one big celebration. It’s going to be absolutely nuts. We have amazing entertainment. people are so excited, you’re going to see people dressed in rainbow colors you’re going to see people with crazy hair you’re to see glitter and everything coming out," said Millner.

A Pride flag hangs over Brown's Island in Richmond. (Source: NBC12) — A Pride flag hangs over Brown's Island in Richmond. (Source: NBC12)(NBC12)

It brings the community together as one, showing the true labor of love.

“What we’re seeing this year in ways that we haven’t seen before is this event seems to be bringing the whole city together," said Millner.

Proving that Virginia stands by it’s motto “Virginia is for lovers.”

“It really is a celebration of all that makes Richmond great. It promotes Richmond as a welcoming inclusive and diverse city to live in," said Millner.

VA PrideFest will take place Saturday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., at Brown’s Island.

The event is free and open to the public.

Visit the VA Pride website for more information.

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