Phoenix holds 45th Annual Pride Parade on Oct. 11, Gov. Hobbs marches
Phoenix is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona. Downtown Phoenix hosted the 45th Annual Phoenix Pride Parade on Sunday, Oct. 11, drawing large crowds waving rainbow flags along the route, according to The Arizona Republic. Gov. Katie Hobbs marched with her running mate, former Mesa Mayor John Giles, as security was visibly tightened six weeks after a deadly shooting outside a Tucson gay bar.
The celebration traces its roots to a 1981 march from downtown Phoenix to the state Capitol, when gay and lesbian activists organized to draw attention to gay rights. It has since grown into one of the city's largest annual celebrations.
Security was a focus this year. On Aug. 31, a gunman killed Cameron Davis Capara, 33, and Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 42, outside Tucson's Venture-N gay bar, according to Tucson police. Organizers said they coordinated with public safety partners and checked with them again the morning of Oct. 11. Police vehicles and motorcycles blocked cross streets along the route, with barricades at intersections including Portland Street.
Political figures joined the procession. Hobbs and Giles marched with the Maricopa County Democrats; U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton greeted spectators; Phoenix Councilmember Laura Pastor rode in a fire truck bearing APS markings; Mayor Kate Gallego appeared in the parade. “We love you, Mayor Gallego,” one spectator shouted. “Right back at you,” she responded over a microphone.
In a statement afterward, Hobbs said: “Our state should always be a place where everyone feels welcome, respected, and free to be themselves — no matter who you are or who you love. Today is a chance to celebrate how far we've come, honor the courage of those who fought for equality, and recommit ourselves to making Arizona a welcoming place for everyone.” Her campaign noted she has marched in the parade many times, including as grand marshal in 2024.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图片来源：Wikimedia Commons，Kiteinthewind 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0 授权
