MILWAUKEE — A sea of color lit up 2nd Street in Walker’s Point on Sunday to celebrate Pride month. The month-long celebration hosts events across the city, including the annual Pride Parade that was back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
“We’re ready to party,” said Hunter Lambert. “It feels good Pride is back.”
Lambert and Marek Larson said they were thrilled to see the celebration return to Milwaukee's streets.
“You walk in and nobody is going to judge you,” said Larson. “It’s a place for everyone to be.”
Spectators couldn't miss the bikers with the nonprofit Pride Rides Wisconsin as they revved up their engines as they pump up the crowd. Pride Rides Wisconsin is a motorcycle enthusiast group that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.
The vice president is known as Johnny MKE; he said it’s surreal to be back.
“I kind of can’t believe it yet because it feels like it’s been eons since we’ve been out in public,” he said. “I can tell you it feels pretty good.”
Johnny MKE said his favorite part of the parades is visibility.
“Seeing people you don’t see everywhere else,” he said. “It’s not just the people from the bars. It’s the people from your job. The people you see from your church, from going to the grocery store. Then all of a sudden they show up here. “
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also walked in the parade.
Organizers said they wanted to send a clear message: Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or you’re an ally, everyone can use this month to celebrate being true to themselves.