Savannah Pride Festival Celebrates Community with Love and Light

The 26th annual Pride Festival, organized by the Savannah Pride Center, took place on March 9, 2024, at Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia. This year’s theme, “Illuminate and Let Your Light Glow,” encouraged attendees to embrace their identities and shine brightly, even in challenging times.

The event featured a vibrant marketplace where LGBTQ+ owned and led small businesses showcased their products. Vendors lined the grassy area, offering a variety of goods, ranging from handmade crafts to local delicacies. This setting fostered a sense of community, allowing individuals to support local enterprises while celebrating diversity.

In addition to shopping, the festival included informational tents that provided resources for the LGBTQ+ community. These booths offered activities designed to promote connection and enjoyment among attendees. One notable tent was hosted by Reverent Victoria Burnett of We R One Weddings. She provided donation-based marriages for couples wishing to tie the knot on the spot.

Burnett expressed her commitment to inclusivity, stating, “So many places will turn people down, and I can’t do that. I just love everybody, and I want everyone to love who they want to love.” Her initiative highlighted the festival’s spirit of love and acceptance, ensuring that everyone could participate in the celebration of their identities.

The Pride Festival attracted a diverse crowd, uniting individuals from various backgrounds in a shared mission of love, support, and acceptance. Attendees engaged in hands-on activities and connected with community resources, reinforcing the importance of solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community.

As the sun shone down on Forsyth Park, the festival served as a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to achieve equality and acceptance for all. The Savannah Pride Festival not only illuminated the park but also the hearts of those who participated, encouraging them to continue shining their light in the world.