{"id":4038,"date":"2017-10-05T16:01:14","date_gmt":"2017-10-05T16:01:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/studentmedia\/?p=4038"},"modified":"2018-01-10T08:54:48","modified_gmt":"2018-01-10T01:54:48","slug":"acc-at-pride-parade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/accent\/acc-at-pride-parade\/","title":{"rendered":"ACC at PRIDE Parade"},"content":{"rendered":"

Written by Ruben Hernandez
\nPhotos by Stefanie Vermillion<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The annual Austin Pride Parade<\/a> is a festivity that comes once a year. From across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, the festival allows self-expression in a variety of forms from all walks of life. While the Pride Parade isn\u2019t Austin-exclusive, locals did use this as an opportunity to hit the streets and enjoy Austin\u2019s nightlife. Many establishments, like Apple and Google, marched to show their Pride spirit. ACC <\/a>was no exception to the long list of organizations that marched through downtown Austin on September 30th.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s of paramount importance that you celebrate Pride, especially in times like these,\u201d second-year ACC student Jacob Silverthorne said. \u201cThe point is to be loud and proud, and to remind people that no matter what they do or if they\u2019re trying to take away our rights, that we\u2019re not going anywhere. We\u2019re still going to be here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pride is a big deal for many. Some see it as a way to acknowledge a group of people who may not always have the spotlight. It\u2019s a way for people to come together for a better cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Pride Parade is a celebration of our difficult past, our current place in society, and where we are going,\u201d first year ACC Student Patrick Rodriguez said. \u201cI feel pride is a way for people to come together and say, \u2018We are gay and we deserve an equal place in the world.\u2019 Even though the parade has evolved into many varied forms, it still shows our diverse and varied cultures within the LGBTQ and friends community.\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only is it important to some that the general public celebrates Pride, it is also comforting for others to know that ACC celebrates with them. Having an entry in the parade shows that ACC is supportive to those that are members of the LGBTQ community.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing that ACC is involved regardless of the political or religious rhetoric, shows me that the school supports an equitable environment that is committed to treating all of its students with respect,\u201d SIlverthorne said. \u201cJust simply having ACC attend, and show their support for LGBTQ rights goes a long way in making not only me feel welcome, but also other LGBTQ students as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Pride Parade is a sight to see for many first-timers. Silverthorne believes that while it may be fun to attend, there\u2019s a lesson that attendees should walk away with.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf someone went to Pride and had to learn something, I think that they should learn that we\u2019re just like everyone else – people who value our freedom,\u201d Silverthorne said. \u201cWe also value our liberty and our ability to search for happiness in the one life that we get. LGBTQ lives are just as important as theirs, or anyone else for that matter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Due to weather complications from Hurricane Harvey, the Pride Parade was rescheduled. The Pride Festival is set for October 21st in Austin at Fiesta Gardens.<\/span><\/p>\n