Point Cadet Plaza draws hundreds for Saturday’s Pride Day. ‘It’s fabulous’
Sounds of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” echoed Saturday throughout Biloxi as sequin-adorned drag queens performed in celebration of the Gulf Coast Association of Pride’s eighth annual Pride Day.
Lexis Redd D’Ville, a Biloxi native and New Orleans drag queen, served as the master of ceremonies for the event.
“I want to help create spaces for people to be who they are, especially in this political climate. It’s a very scary time to be queer, to be trans, to be a person of color or to just be who you are,” D’Ville said.
D’Ville said this is the first year she has attended without encountering protesters outside.
“We never let them rain on our parade. This is something that we’re going to do. We are here as a unit. We are here unapologetically true and queer,” D’Ville said.
Celebrating Community and Connection
Amidst rainbow flags, crystals and jewelry, Daniel Dunlap, a vendor from Ya Ya’s, said that Pride Day sheds light on Biloxi’s LGBTQ+ community.
“I feel like we get overshadowed by all the casinos, and that’s kind of the opposite of what we’re celebrating right now. It gives everybody the chance to gather together and have a good time,” Dunlap said.
Pride Day attendees Lynn McIntire, Xavier Reichbaum and Lucas McCarthy said events like these help connect like-minded people.
“It’s super isolating to not have any friends who understand queer identity. Looking at everything that everybody around us can create and make — it’s fabulous,” McIntire said.
“I just hope people will realize that there’s nothing malicious about (Pride Day) at all. It’s just a bunch of people getting together to celebrate life and to be in an environment where everyone feels happy and accepted,” McCarthy said.
“It’s refreshing to know that you’re not going to be judged for being who you are,” Reichbaum said.
Embracing Diversity
Biloxi native Jamie Hill decided to attend Pride Day in support of her two non-binary children.
“My children feel safer here than most festivals that we go to. ... I think it lets kids know that they can be different, and that it’s okay.”
Looking to spread their mission, United Church of Christ representatives set up a tent to celebrate Pride Day and garner local engagement.
“I would like to see (a community where), regardless of what you identify as, you feel welcome and you feel supported,” UCC representative Jonathan Briggs said.
