This year’s Mandeville Pride Parade is marching under a bold new theme: Protesting with Pride. But it’s not just rainbow flags waving this time.
Organizers plan to carry ten flags they call “colors of resistance”, including the Palestinian flag, which has stirred concern and divided opinions within the community.
“We never would’ve gotten this far if we’d caved in to fear,” said Jeremy JF Thompson, co-founder of Queer Northshore, the group behind the parade.
Queer Northshore says the event is about more than LGBTQ+ visibility. It’s meant to support anyone facing oppression whether for their race, identity, or nationality.
“And the reason this feels this way to people is because of what’s going on around us. Us saying it didn’t do any of that,” Thompson said, referring to backlash tied to the flag display. “
While the inclusion of the Palestinian flag sparked online debate, organizers insist this year’s march is focused on unity, not politics. WDSU reached out to Mandeville’s mayor and local police for comment, but neither was available.
Parade volunteers say some of the loudest supporters have been parents of queer children.
“And they say, like, my kid felt seen for the first time, or my kid was, like, jumping around with joy,” co-founder of Queer Northshore, Mel Manuel, said. “People would say to them, like, we see you. and I just we get so many thank yous from parents because they are also need support. They feel alone.”
While the flags may vary, the message, organizers say, remains the same: standing together against hate.
Thompson said, “This event is here to bring hope and to give people a home.”
For update information on the parade, click here. If you’re looking for ways you can get involved with Queer Northshore, visit their facebook or instagram pages.
READ MORE:Mandeville pride parade sparks debate
