Gay pride is typically celebrated in June, but in Jackson on Saturday they are holding a celebration of their own.
It's year two of the Jackson Pride Fest and dozens gathered around the Jackson City Hall to show support for the LGBTQ community. Dorothy Teeples says it shows the inclusive side of the city.
"It's very important that we should support each other and like this says, love is love, I mean there isn't enough of it in the world," says Dorothy Teeples.
Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies says pride fest shows how welcoming their community is to people of all walks of life. He is happy to see the growth of support from within the community.
"We are a tolerant and inclusive community that views diversity as a strength," said Mayor Derek Dobies.
Inclusion is part of the reason why Jackson chooses to do their pride fest after pride month, so people of Jackson can celebrate all over. Jackson resident Michael Mahle says it gives pride more of a special meaning in Jackson.
"A lot of festivals are held in June, they do it in August to make it more accessible to people," said Michael Mahle.
Mahle tells me events like these are important to help people understand what the LGBTQ community goes through, as well bringing the community together.
"It brings awareness to the LGBTQ community and it's a great way to have community outreach," said Mike Mahle.
Organizers say year two of the Jackson parade was a success to see the parade grow so much in just a year. They hope to see the parade continue to get bigger as each year passes.
