Community members lined the streets of Media on Saturday for the fourth annual Delco Pride Parade, celebrating visibility, community and support for LGBTQ+ residents across Delaware County.<\/p>\n
Marchers carrying rainbow flags, signs and banners made their way through downtown Media before gathering at the Delaware County Courthouse for a Pride flag-raising ceremony.<\/p>\n
For many attendees, the event represented more than a celebration.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s so special\u2026in a community where Pride isn’t a long-established tradition\u2026to be able to have people be so out and proud, visible in the community,” said Abby Weissman, who marched alongside fellow members of the Hedgerow Theatre Company.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The message resonated with attendees of all ages.<\/p>\n
“Everyone’s expressing themselves,” 11-year-old Madelyn Rothdeutsch Keckler said. “Not what people want them to be, just what they are,”<\/p>\n
Others said the event reflected personal journeys toward acceptance.<\/p>\n
Francis Palmarino, who marched with members of his church community, said finding a welcoming congregation helped him embrace his identity as a bisexual man.<\/p>\n
“It’s not something to be scared of,” Palmarino said. “The idea of Pride is to celebrate togetherness.”<\/p>\n
Parents and allies also turned out to show support for LGBTQ+ loved ones.<\/p>\n
“It’s important for parents like me to be visible in this parade because then they know that no matter what, they are always loved,” said Nikki Brake-Silla, who attended in support of her daughter.<\/p>\n
Volunteers with the organization Free Mom Hugs offered encouragement to attendees whose families may not be as supportive.<\/p>\n
“Even if someone’s birth family is not accepting of them, we like to let them know there’s a place for them,” said Bonnie Kaplan.<\/p>\n
Following the parade, eventgoers gathered outside the Delaware County Courthouse as the Pride flag was raised and members of the\u00a0Transcendent Choir<\/a>\u00a0performed.<\/p>\n A.K. Hazel, a nonbinary advocate for transgender youth, said the ceremony was moving.<\/p>\n “I got very emotional because getting to raise the Pride flag here at all means so much, knowing that my community believes in me and the people that I love,” Hazel said.<\/p>\n The Delco Pride Festival is scheduled for June 13 in Upper Darby.<\/p>\n \n More from CBS News\n <\/p>\n