PITTSFORD, N.Y. — On what felt like the hottest day of the summer, dozens of people took over Downtown Pittsford Sunday, as the town held its first ever Pride event.
For Thomas Marino, it was a chance to be around people who support him exactly how he is.
“It’s very a euphoric experience," Marino said. "Because there’s all these people with flags tied around like capes and picking up the small flags that they have, and wearing their nametags, and just being themselves. It's beautiful. It’s amazing”
As the group marched down Main Street, self expression was everywhere.
Between the flags and drag shows and catchy pop songs, the atmosphere was a celebration.
But Marino and others are making sure people don’t forget where Pride came from.
“Pride happens in June because of the Stonewall Riots," Marino said. "We fought for what we have now.”
People at Pride hope this sparks a conversation about acceptance and understanding, and encourage everyone in community to join in.