Residents gathered from across Haywood County to celebrate the first ever LGBTQ+ Pride parade approved by the Waynesville Town Council.
“When I was growing up and I would walk down Main Street, I thought that I was all alone in the world and it’s amazing to see that we have such a vibrant community that is very supportive of everyone – regardless of who they love,” Town Council member Anthony Sutton said to Blue Ridge Public Radio.
Sutton says he was the first openly queer elected official west of Asheville as he was voted into office in 2019. He is now in his second term and served as the grand marshall for Waynesboro’s parade.
“The meaning of Pride is that we have to continually fight for our rights to even exist, love or marry the person that we are in love with,” Sutton continued.
IDEA Haywood, the “engine behind” Pride, was founded by Tera McIntosh, who spoke at the event this past weekend.
“About one year ago, I stood at Town Hall and spoke in front of a lot of people and I said, ‘I’m tired of going to Asheville to find community. I’m tired of going to Asheville to find safety, to find my people.’ And I said, ‘I’m staying right here in Haywood County and I am building it,’” McIntosh said to the Pride crowd on Saturday. “Today you are all building it with us so thank you.”
Waynesville Town Council Member Jon Feichter and Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Dixon also welcomed folks to the Pride event. Dixon used his time to remind attendees about the importance of voting in the upcoming election.
“The freedom to read a book without it being banned. The freedom to live in a world that won’t burn up or drown because of the climate crisis.… The freedom to live in a country where no one is above the law. The freedom to go to the drag show of your choice. The freedom to live in a democracy without authoritarianism, racism or a violent insurrection,” Dixon explained. “And finally, so important to today, the freedom to live without discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Freedom is on the ballot.”
Hundreds of people marched in Saturday’s parade while those watching waved rainbow flags and cheered. There were a few folks with signs telling patrons to repent, but there were also several churches who participated in the march.
Free Mom Hugs were also offered to attendees, as well as cookies and lemonade, by a group of moms from the area. One of those moms was Sarah Perkins of Waynesville.
“My heart is just so full [because I’m like] open arms to people who may have not received that when they came out. It is very moving and has brought tears to my eyes several times during this parade. So it’s incredibly heartwarming, and I just feel so alive inside,” Perkins said to Blue Ridge Public Radio.