2023 Central Alabama Pride Parade records record participation

More than 5,000 people took part in the 2023 Pride Parade, according to the president of Central Alabama Pride. People from across Central Alabama made their way to Birmingham to make sure their voices are heard. “It’s so great to see Birmingham really rising to the challenge with all of this,” Birmingham resident Jessica Azrin says. “It’s very, very impressive and a lot better than when I was a kid growing up here. So, I’m very excited to be here.””Last year we set a record and this year we’ve beat that again with folks that are in the parade and that doesn’t include the spectators,” Central Alabama Pride president Josh Coleman adds. With a record crowd participating in this year’s Pride Parade, WVTM 13 asked those participating if society is more accepting now. Those we spoke with were quick to say yes. “So like, I started transitioning maybe two years ago and the reason I didn’t earlier is because I was just afraid of everybody, what they would think and everything,” Birmingham resident Dani Azrin recalls. “And so, because the world has gotten so much more accepting, it’s made me feel able to actually be able to do this. So, it’s a lot, lot better than it used to be.” “It’s a very focal minority, but that focal minority has kind of gotten a grasp on trying to take trans rights from just normal people who want to live their lives,” Graysville resident Jaidon Odom says. Not everyone in attendance Saturday night was in support of the parade. Several people gathered to voice their opposition. “So, we are definitely against the homosexuality and lesbianism, as far as the sin,” Cordiero Cook with Kingdom Warriors Ministry explains. “You know what I’m saying? So, we’re not against the people. We’re against the sin.”Those in the parade say they are moving forward with their mission.