Tampa celebrates diversity pride parade
Marching Band shows support for the LGBTQ by performing in the parade.
Marching through the streets, the PHS marching band performs on March 26 for the diversity parade. The crowd cheered as they went down the street.
Thousands of people descended upon the historic district of Ybor City on March 25 for a colorful celebration in support of the LGBTQ community. Some wore T-shirts with slogans like “born this way,” and “closets are for clothes,” while others wore rainbow colored everything, or close to nothing at all.
Amongst those in participation were the PHS Marching Band, who awaited beads thrown by drag queens, stilt walkers and others living their lives and enjoying the sense of unity at the parade.
“There were a lot of venders for food and everyone seemed to be in colorful rainbow attire which was a cool thing to see,” freshman Isabella Rodriguez said.
Tampa’s fourth annual diversity pride took place on March 25 and was held earlier than most, to help set it apart from neighboring cities’ events. The celebration appreciates the obstacles overcome by members of the LGBTQ community and aims to foster continued change.
“Events like these are important because it recognizes and appreciates all these unique individuals. It makes me happy to be a part of the community,” senior Previn Martin said.
Plant High School was the only high school band that attended, the audience drowned out the bands playing through shouts and claps. Arriving at noon but performing at 3 p.m. the band had plenty of time to take in their surroundings.
“It was a really enjoyable event and we had a lot more people in band participating this year,” junior Liz Rosa said. “Seeing everyone united was cool and I feel like the Ybor diversity parade grows larger and more fun each year.”
