MILWAUKEE — Thousands came out to Milwaukee for the annual Pride Parade on Sunday.
The theme for this year's parade is "The Future is Ours.”
The goal is to express optimism for progress in spite of adversity and imagine a brighter future for Milwaukee’s diverse LGBTQ+ scene.
Gigi Schmitt sang at the pride parade as a member of School of Rock Shorewood.
Schmitt said she identifies as queer and wants to be an inspiration to others.
“[I view myself] like a role model, so let’s say a little kid liked singing and they saw me singing, that might inspire them. That’s really important to me,” said Schmitt.
It’s not the only thing she loves about the Pride Parade.
“I’m really excited to see all the different people, all of the pride and how these people are to be expressing themselves in this beautiful environment,” said Schmitt.
Vayda Hardwick is also a member of School of Rock Shorewood.
For Hardwick, it’s important for her to be an ally.
“Because gay people are so cool, they deserve to have songs sang to them, because they are cool,” said Hardwick.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson also walked in the Pride Parade.
He said Pride Month is a party with a purpose to show not only that there is a growing and vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in the city but to also stand up to intolerance.
“I often say that Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s Ellis Island, a welcoming place for all people. No matter what their background is, no matter where they come from and no matter who they love., and that’s why it’s important for me as mayor of this city to be here, to be an ally, to be affirming to the LGBTQ community here in Milwaukee, those across the state of Wisconsin and those from across the United States who may chose to visit or perhaps even live in the city of Milwaukee,” said Mayor Johnson.
Hardwick believes the parade's theme "The Future is Ours" means accepting who people are.
“The future is homosexual, extremely, and we should embrace that and celebrate it,” said Hardwick.
For Schmitt, the parade’s theme is also a reminder that not everybody is so accepting as anti-trans bills pass through some state legislatures.
“I think it means to keep on fighting because with all the things passing right now. It’s basically saying that we can not be silent. We are people too and we want to express ourselves in the same way,” said Schmitt.