Pride Month is upon us and as usual, my state of South Carolina ALWAYS represents.
This year was no different with the annual Outfest event held in the capital city of Columbia. The Outfest pageant this year was a rock and roll theme and needless to say, contestants came to win. Below are pictures of the festivities with some added commentary by yours truly where needed. Click on the pictures to see them at full-size.
Outfest was a huge success and a wonderful precursor to our main Pride celebration held in October.
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My second favorite picture of the day. Pride Month and basic visibility is necessary for the next generation.
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And now I will have to interject some commentary. This contestant is wearing a flesh-toned body suit under her straps. She is in no way anywhere near nude. I felt the need to clarify this because unfortunately, there are a horde of predatory "social media influencers" looking to exploit anything they can to pass along a lie about "half naked people gyrating in front of children" during Pride events .Also, SC Pride, the host of Outfest, has a very STRICT policy with regards to that sort of thing.
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Affirming churches and church leaders were in attendance and I love this. It refutes the lie that LGBTQ people have no religious foundation. Come on folks, it's the South. Religion is the cornerstone of the Southern identity whether or not you are an LGBTQ person. And on a personal level, it was my faith which helped me accept who I am as a gay man.
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| My FAVORITE picture. It can be viewed in two ways - 1. A bunch of LGBTQ folks and our allies minding our own business and enjoying the day. Or 2. "The Council of the Kings and Queens" are judging you, so bring it or go home. |
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| Even Deadpool showed up and showed out. Those who are comic book fans should already know that Deadpool is "family." |
