LGBTQ community kicks off Pride Month with spirited march

The LGBTQ community turned out in force Sunday for the kickoff of Pride Month, which recognizes and encourages support for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual and queer people. (John McPhaul)

By JOHN McPHAUL

jpmcphaul@gmail.com

The LGBTQ community turned out in force Sunday for the kickoff of Pride Month, which recognizes and encourages support for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and queer people.

Hundreds of colorfully festooned marchers walked behind floats blaring music -- everything from Cher (“Do You Believe in Life After Love”) to Cindy Lauper (“Girls Just Want to Have Fun”) -- some carrying clusters of balloons, some dancing in drag down Ashford Avenue, from Parque Indio to Escambrón Beach.

“We come out because we have to defend our rights,” said Gaffino García, 30.

Some represented groups that support the LGBTQ community, such as the True Self Foundations.

Around 70 marchers walked behind the Puerto Rico Cultural Center float. The center provides support for elderly members of the LGBTQ community.

The event had an array of sponsors, including Banco Popular. With the slogan “Hear Our Pride,” Delta Airlines sponsored one float. Another float was sponsored by JetBlue, with the slogan “Just Plane Pride.”

Twenty-three-year-old Kala Vélez, a store manager, was not part of the march. She said she turned out “to support the cause.”