Rainbows but also clouds as NC town hosts Pride Fest amid Trump administration's anti-trans push

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By ALLEN G. BREED
Updated 7:46 PM CDT, October 11, 2025

WAKE FOREST, N.C. (AP) — Thousands turned out Saturday in this Baptist seminary town to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, but the current political climate was never far from their thoughts.

“If we’re paying attention, we’re seeing what could happen,” said Amanda Cottrill, co-chair of Wake Forest Pride Fest. “History repeats itself, (which is) why it’s so important for us to be learning and celebrating history.”

This year’s event coincided with National Coming Out Day. It also came at a time when President Donald Trump’s administration is seeking to bar transgender people from serving in the military and issuing orders about biological sex and gender.

Police watched from atop the town hall and patrolled the streets with dogs, as people in rainbow clothing confronted a group that came to sing hymns and wave signs telling them to repent. There were applause and tears in the crowd as author, activist and former youth pastor John Pavlovitz spoke from a stage.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-pride-coming-out-day-transgender-trump-37e15cbb6a19a5428c87b2dd8071d7fa

[littlemissmartypants]

1. Thank you. ❤️

[OldBaldy1701E]

2. I am so glad that they went ahead with this.

Wake Forest is not exactly known for being the most... progressive... town, but this was a good sign.

Of course, now the rethug controlled legislature, with the support of the federal government, will make it illegal to have one ever again, but we will see.

[wolfie001]

3. These are Brave Americans !

Great for them! More of this please! 💙 Right in the face of the christo-fascist pigs!

[mountain grammy]

4. Republicans want everyone

Except straight white men back in the closet. Defy, resist, have a Pride Fest.

No going back!! Thanks Wake Forest!

[Solly Mack]

5. K&R

[dsc]

6. That is the pride my chorus sang at yesterday