Kentuckiana Pride Festival highlights community, inclusion in downtown Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Thousands of people celebrated love and inclusion Saturday in downtown Louisville at the Kentuckiana Pride Festival and Parade.

The festivities kicked off with a parade in NuLu. The festival then followed on the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park until 10 p.m.

Thousands of people showed up to the festival. Many say when they think about Pride, the importance of community is the first thing that comes to mind.

Tim Weyrauch, the president of Kentuckiana Pride Foundation's board of directors, shared what he feels is the most important thing about Kentuckiana Pride.

"This is magic and the community coming together," he said. "I love it."

Weyrauch said they plan year-round to ensure that they create a space that is welcoming.

"It's about the inclusion, our diversity," Weyrauch said. "No matter your sexual orientation, your religion, your nationality, everyone is welcoming."

Janae Smith said as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, she loves having a space where she can be herself.

"Just to be authentically myself, to show myself and embrace myself at all times no matter what, forever showing my character and who I am," Smith said.

Many in attendance said they take pride in having safe spaces where love and community thrive.

"Love is the biggest thing because that's what brings us together," Katelyn Heun said.

Louisville will hold its Pride festival on Bardstown Road in September.