COVINGTON, Ky. — Northern Kentucky's annual Pride Parade turned 10 years old on Sunday, as attendees celebrated and rallied to spread messages about love and acceptance.
This year's celebration specifically focused on working to inspire other areas in Northern Kentucky to adopt anti-discrimination protections for the LGBTQIA community.
"It's about celebrating LGBT equity, inclusion and safety in the Northern KY region," said Katie Meyer, co-chair of Northern Kentucky Pride.
Advocates in the parade praised Covington for its anti-discrimination protections, but many in attendance said they would like to see more of Northern Kentucky embrace these policies.
"I know Covington is one of the only cities in the state that has anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQIA people," said Callie Settles, a resident of Covington in attendance at the parade. "I'm proud to live here because they're a more progressive city in the state."
An after-party at Hotel Covington wraps up Covington's pride celebrations, but residents and participants hope the messages of love and acceptance continue to reverberate year-round.
"Whether you're in or out of the closet, it's important to be true to yourself," said Settles. "Be kind to people. Support each other in the community."
