Orlando victims honored at Denver Pride Fest
All weekend long people are showing their support for Orlando and the LGBT community at Denver Pride Fest.
The annual event draws in thousands of people from around the U.S., and t his year there was a special tribute for the Orlando victims.
In the heart of Denver’s Civic Center Park stands a wall of pride and solidarity where people are writing messages in honor of Orlando.
“It’s just to show the love for everyone in Orlando and all the families and everyone here. You have to spread the love,” said Tiffany Ferguson.
One man drove from Wyoming to leave his mark on the wall.
“it’s just an awful tragedy that happened. I haven’t really had an event that shook me as much as this,” said Brian Degenfelder.
Degenfelder’s best friend survived the Orlando shooting.
“I had a friend that was there that night that’s from Wyoming that I went to school with. It goes to show you no matter where you are, the world is small. So to come together is so important,” saidDegenfelder.
Safety was on many people’s mind, as the two-day festival draws in an estimated 350,000 people.
“I’ve seen a lot of police showing their support. I think that’s been a huge thing. Denver police have really shown their support for the community,” said Brandon Lopez.
For many people attending Pride Fest, it was about supporting Orlando but for one man it was also about being able to openly express himself for the first time.
“This is my first year as being openly gay, this is my first pride. That’s huge for me because it’s the first year where you can feel entirely accepted in this environment, I can be myself,” said Jeremiah Corder.
“The lesbian-gay community doesn’t always have a chance to express themselves everyday. So really that’s the point of the festival to get out and be yourself,” said Rex Fuller, Vice President of communications of LGBT of Colorado.
Eight percent of visitors travel 50 miles or more outside of Denver to attend. No matter the reason, it’s an opportunity to unite.
“It doesn’t matter what you’re doing. Whether you’re gay or straight. It’s a fun place to come meet people and have fun,” said Tim Hermitt.
The festival continues Sunday. Governor John Hickenlooper and several other state leaders are holding a rally honoring victims and families from the Orlando attack.
