Star City Pride kicks off weekend of events in Lincoln in ‘big, celebratory way’

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Friday marked Day 1 of Pride festivities in Lincoln this month.

With live music filling Woods Park for Pride at the Park, attendees kicked off celebrations of a community filled with people who say they just want to be accepted for who they are.

“We’re just here to be with people who understand us and love us, and we’re not hurting anybody,” said Saber McConnell, who was in attendance with two of his friends.

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McConnell came from Omaha to celebrate.

His friend, Xander Crawford from Lincoln, added, “As a member of both the trans and LGBTQ community, this is a chance to get together, interact and be a part of that community in such a big, celebratory way.”

Another festivalgoer, Hilary Baker, thanked the LGBT community for helping her give back to the greater community of Lincoln.

“I love the community engagement,” she said. “I’ve gotten involved in a lot of projects through Pride, and I would not regret any of that.”

She went on to explain that she’s done a lot of work with the organization Nebraska Appleseed, and now her son wants to serve the community as well.

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The event was filled with people in vibrant colors, and the scene was engulfed in live music.

There were also more than a dozen tents surrounded put up by sponsors that provided activities, merchandise and food.

Jason St. Sauver, a senior education manager with the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center and creator of Let’s Go Birding Together, brought nature activities to the festival.

He said Lincoln has come a long way with acceptance.

“I think events like this can only help that,” he said. “People can celebrate, see other people that are like them.”

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Many attendees at Pride in the Park said most people in Lincoln are accepting, but their concern is about the state’s laws.

“That’s where the problem truly lives, is with the legislation,” Crawford said.

Others at the celebration said their hope for the local LGBTQ+ community is to get legislation that reflects inclusivity.

SEE ALSO: As Pride Month begins, Lincoln church wants LGBTQ Catholics to know they are welcome

In addition to Pride at the Park, Lincoln will hold a pride parade from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday outside the Nebraska State Capitol.

Then there will be a pride festival outside of Das Haus near 17th and O streets from noon to 11:30 p.m.