"Everybody needs to experience it": Thousands return to downtown Minneapolis for Twin Cities Pride march

MINNEAPOLIS – Thousands flocked to Hennepin Avenue for the return of the Twin Cities Pride march through downtown Minneapolis Sunday afternoon.

For many, the return of the event, forced into a hiatus in modifications each of the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was symbolic.

"It feels like you're where you belong," said Becky Adams, who traveled from Blaine with her wife. "You feel like your community has come back around you."

Event organizers emphasized while much of the day was filled with happiness, it was a march – not a parade.

"The reason we call it a march and not a parade is that we want to celebrate once everyone is equal," said Twin Cities Pride Board Chair Felix Foster. "Even though we have come a long way in the last 50 years, there's still a lot of work to do."

That sentiment was echoed by several DFL elected officials who spoke ahead of Sunday's event.

"The fight is not over," said Minneapolis City Council President Andrea Jenkins.

"They (Republicans) are coming for equality. They're coming for our rights," said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

"Everybody just love everybody for who they are. Don't judge," said Ellen Asplund, who traveled to the event from St. Michael. "The world today is a very, very scary place and we need change."

"We are just like everybody else," Adams said. "We just live our lives a little bit differently."

In:
• Pride
• Downtown Minneapolis
• Minneapolis