Once a year, all around the country, people from all around the world meet to celebrate all sexualities in a beautiful parade display. Picture this: rainbow flags plastered on every surface, outrageously dressed gays around every corner, and flamboyant allies flaunting their admiration for the gay community. To say the least, there’s a party around every corner.

In a country where homosexuality has been stigmatized for centuries, this event is a safe-place for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and any other sexuality on the spectrum. Often described as a ‘congregation of the gays’, this parade holds events for everyone- such as, the annual trans march, the annual lesbian march and the actual pride march, which includes all sexualities.

This year’s Atlanta Pride Parade was held on Oct. 13, 14 and 15. Many North Atlanta students — both gay and straight — were able to attend the event.

Sophomore Anna Coffin-McKibben says the energetic atmosphere at the parade was truly addictive. “There were lots of colorful floats and rainbows, and tons of drag queens” said Coffin. “There was also an all LGBT biker club? I’m totally joining one someday.”

Coffin felt that the community atmosphere at the parade was welcoming and light-hearted. “When I got there at first I was crying because I was so excited,” she said. “I just feel so lucky to live in such an accepting city like Atlanta, I felt so blessed to be amongst fellow LGBT+ members and the allies who support us.”

As LGBT+ becomes more common, Pride parades become more imperative. All sexualities are welcome to celebrate themselves and feel accepted in a society where they are often stigmatized. In the words of drag icon RuPaul, “If you can’t love yourself, how are you going to love anyone else?”