ATLANTA — Atlanta's Pride Festival kicked off Saturday.
11Alive's Tresia Bowles asked attendees what pride means to them.
Sasha Widder said, “The unity of all the people—being able to express yourself and just be you.”
Veteran Pride participant Michael Musso said, “It’s a place for community.”
The energy at Piedmont Park was of love and acceptance. Widder spread that love to others. They said this year was the first pride they remember.
“One of my friends, I made them a Pride flag," Widder said.
All of the colors of the flag represent different members of the LGBQT+ community. For example, dozens of women who love women marched in the D*ke March from the park, decked in their reds, pinks, and whites.
Musso was glad his son, Madden, was there to watch.
“Show our son that this is acceptable," Musso said. "This is who we are.”
The evidence of the support is shown by the growing crowds at the park each year. Musso said he noticed more families here than in previous years.
His partner, Mark Erickson, said Pride is responsible for their growing family.
“Our adoption journey actually started at a booth at Pride three years ago. And now, we have our son," Erickson said.
Widder said there's enough hate in the world. Pride is a time to have fun with the people you love.
“Love everybody," Erickson said. "It doesn’t matter if you have three eyes and two toes. Everyone is equal.”