JACKSON, MI (WSYM) -- Some people in the Jackson community say they've been fighting against the conservative outlook of the city for years saying they've been under represented, but today is a new day.
"It was time for pride in Jackson," Nikki Joly said.
Joly is the director for the Jackson Pride Center and the coordinator for the festival.
The LGBTQ community is kicking the day off with a parade and celebration, but they are also using this time to reflect on how much progress the city is making.
"It has a reputation for being a very conservative area, but I think what has happened is the conservatives have just been speaking louder than the non-conservatives and when you look at the numbers, I think obviously we have the majority of people backing us up and believing that love is love and that everyone has a right to love who they love," Karyl Deems-Baker said.
Jackson recently battled over a non-discrimination ordinance related to homosexuality and the LGBTQ community rallied to make it happen- even opening up a gay pride center.
"The opening of the pride center has caused a lot of stir, and it has brought up a lot of emotions that a lot of people have lying under the surface and so we're working it through," Pastor Patti Kenney said.
They claim the center and the pride festival are part of many strides in the right direction.
"We've rallied city council. We've got a N.D.O passed in the city. It's really an explosion of joy and love today that I see in Jackson." Barbara Shelton said.
