Pride Fest 2015

While the LGBT community is worldwide, only recently has it appeared in the public limelight of Gainesville, Florida. Up until the late 1960’s, the State of Florida itself had a committee (Johns Committee) thats sole purpose was to scope out homosexuals, as such activities were illegal at the time. The committees believed that such behavior was reprehensive and needed to be removed from its state universities. Students that were suspected of such things would be thoroughly punished and even expelled indefinitely. It wasn’t until the early 1980’s when a group of gay and lesbian UF students overcame their oppressive overseers and created UF’s first LGBT organization. The organization was called the University of Florida Lesbian and Gay Society (UFLAGS), it existed until being forced to move off campus due to harassment and discriminatory issues. After moving off campus, the group was renamed to the Gay and Lesbian Student Union (GLSU). Finally in 1993, the GLSU changed its name for the last time. As it stands today, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Student Union (LGBSU) is UF’s most accredited and recognized LGBT organization.

In late October of 2015, the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida (PCCNCF) held their annual Pride festival and parade in downtown Gainesville, Florida. Priding itself on the pride of others, The PCCNCF is a public charity organization that strongly supports the LGBT equality movement happening within the United States. Following the recent Supreme Court ruling making it illegal for states to decline a couple their marriage license because of their sexual orientation, this festival was sure to be one of jovial proceedings. Even though the laws were passed, many still face hardships when it comes to publicly being themselves. Co- president of PCCNCF, Terry Fleming says “much work must still be done towards creating full equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.” That’s why this year’s Pride Days Celebration was themed “equality without exception”. Despite legal declaration, the LGBT community continues to fight for full equality.

At noon, participants began marching down the street of downtown Gainesville. Many were holding signs and some had decorated themed floats. Signs read, “Protect LBGT children” and “Love wins legally”. Seeing so many with their own personal signs brought me to a personal level of understanding for this community that I had previously never experienced. I had never realized the size of this community before I attended the Pride Fest, so many live their lives ashamed of who they are that many live for years without anyone knowing the truth.