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Tower District shows up in force for largest-ever Rainbow Pride Parade

The national anti-woke crusade by conservatives – which includes called boycotts of retailers for marketing pride clothing or for adopting inclusive workplace policies – has not washed ashore at the Tower District as evidenced by the turnout and support for the 33rd annual Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade.

The Saturday celebration was the largest ever, with 100 parade entries and thousands of spectators lined up Saturday for the 2½-hour crawl along Olive Avenue. The theme was “Qu33r All Year.”

Leilani Price, who juggled emcee duties with others, was pleased not only with the turnout but with who showed up.

“Right now we have to be visible. We need to be loud and proud and enjoy who we are as individuals,” said Price, whose pronouns are he/him/they. “This pride parade is super important because of what’s going on in our political climate.”

A Reel Pride supporter takes part in the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade in the Tower District on June 3, 2023.
A Reel Pride supporter takes part in the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade in the Tower District on June 3, 2023.



He and Dr. Peter Robertson, another announcer, praised the turnout of politicians, churches, businesses and organizations that, they said, demonstrates the breadth of support for the local LGBTQ+ community.

“We need to show people that we have support, that we’re not afraid to go against the grain and stir some stuff up,” said Price.

Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, D-Fresno, and Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea were among a handful of grand marshals. Perea is the first openly gay member of the council.

Other lawmakers who showed up were Councilmembers Miguel Arias, Luis Chávez, Tyler Maxwell and Nelson Esparza, along with Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, and Assemblymember Joaquín Arámbula, D-Fresno.

Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria waves at spectators during the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade in the Tower District on June 3, 2023.
Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria waves at spectators during the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade in the Tower District on June 3, 2023.



Amazon, Wal-Mart, Starbucks, and PG&E were among the corporations represented by parade participants.

The State Center Community College District – sporting the rainbow colors on the mascots of Fresno City College, Reedley College, Clovis Community College, and Madera Community College – was represented. So was the Fresno Unified School District.

“There’s three things that come to mind,” said Dr. Peter Robertson. “The first is allyship. It’s important to have our allies here.”

He pointed to the five Fresno Councilmembers in the parade, in addition to the churches, businesses and other organizations.

“The second thing is that representation matters, and having (councilmember) Annalisa Perea as a grand marshal means a lot,” said Robertson.

A girl waves a pride flag while watching the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade in the Tower District on June 3, 2023.
A girl waves a pride flag while watching the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade in the Tower District on June 3, 2023.



“The last one is visibility matters,” he said. “There were more than 100 entries, and this was a 2-hour parade, the biggest we’ve had. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate our wins.”

Nationally, the atmosphere is different after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” bill triggered an ongoing fight with Disney and, more recently, a called-for boycott of Bud Light after the beer company used a trans woman in a promotional campaign.

Robertson has read the definition of wokeness, “and I think I’ve been accused of being woke.”

“I guess I take it as a compliment, but for some family members and friends, it’s a challenging world,” said Robertson. “I just think doing the right thing and uplifting everyone is a good thing. If that’s considered woke, then I guess I’m woke.”

Leilani Price juggled announcer duties at the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade in the Tower District on June 3, 2023.
Leilani Price juggled announcer duties at the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade in the Tower District on June 3, 2023.



The Mexican Consulate in Fresno was a first-time participant in the pride parade.

“I love that we’re seeing a lot of people of color coming out in support of marginalized groups,” said Price.

Robertson said the Mexican Consulate’s appearance is “part of representation.”

“It was beautiful to see them here.”

Elements of the Mexican flag form a pride flag during the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade in the Tower District on June 3, 2023.
Elements of the Mexican flag form a pride flag during the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade in the Tower District on June 3, 2023.