SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Together again. Thousands gathered at the Syracuse Inner Harbor to celebrate CNY Pride 2022 this weekend. But
This is the first time the event has been held in-person since 2019. But the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade reminded participants that activism is as important as celebration.
Pride started out with a parade down Solar Street that featured several businesses like Wegmans, National Grid and Planned Parenthood.
For some attendees, watching the parade was more emotional than it has ever been before.
“It made me tear up with the parade, I cried,” Tori Palmer said. “I was like ‘oh my god,’ so many people coming together with their like-mindedness, it’s just so wholesome, and beautiful.”
Attendees then went to an all-day festival that included live entertainment, food, arts and crafts and local vendors. Although they enjoyed the activities, some attendees said their favorite part was just being together again after COVID.
“Just seeing everyone’s outfits, seeing how much everyone is accepting, and happy in their own skin,” Ashley Rether said.
And although they love the flashy outfits and fun colors, attendees said that Pride means more to them than just appearances, especially now that same-sex marriage could be at risk.
“Pride means to me…is Pride,” Palmer said. “Literally, proud of who you are, what you’ve become, I’m getting goosebumps I’m sorry, just everything. People coming together and celebrating who they are.”
Attendees kept the recent news in the back of their minds, constantly saying that “today was a celebration, but tomorrow, we keep fighting.”
Rether and Palmer added that they will be returning to future CNY Pride events, and are happy that Pride is back in-person again.