Each June, staff and supporters of YWCA Spokane come together to participate in the parade and festival organized by Spokane Pride.

Reflections on Pride 2025 

As YWCA Spokane's Racial & Social Justice Specialist, now with the agency for one year as of today, it was my privilege to lead our agency's engagement in the Spokane Pride parade and festivities this year.

For me, Spokane Pride 2025 wasn’t just an event, it was a glimpse into the heart of our community. As a newcomer to both YWCA Spokane and the Pride Parade & Festival, I had heard countless stories, experiences, and comments about what Pride is, but nothing prepared me for the powerful energy of being right there in the midst of it, experiencing it first hand.

What I didn’t expect was the depth of the experience. It wasn’t just about the rainbow flags or the parades, it was about the small everyday acts of resistance and love that made up the entire event. It was about seeing people not just showing up and supporting, but thriving in a place where they could just be themselves.

Pride in Perspective

Walking through the parade area, I noticed something - everyone was there for different reasons, but they all shared one beautiful thing: a sense of belonging. Some were marching for the first time (like myself), while others had been part of Spokane Pride for years or even decades. There were many groups of youth, parents with kids, and older folks - who I'm sure had lived through eras of shame and invisibility in their days of youth. They were now celebrating freely along with others. I saw smiles shining everywhere after lifetimes of struggle, silence, and acts of resistance. Each person in the crowd was there with their own story, their own fight, their own reasons to celebrate.

Celebrating Resistance

The energy during the parade was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. As we walked, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause - so many rainbow flags, glitter, and banners swirled around us. But beyond the colorful display, there was something else: a collective shower of love and support.

It was amazing to hear people talk about how important it was for them to show up, to stand in solidarity, and to fight for the future they want not only for everyone today, but also for future generations.

The Power of Community

Pride wasn’t just about marching, it was about support. What struck me most at the festival wasn’t just the music or the booths, but the overwhelming sense of community care. Groups were offering everything from health checkups to voter registration, free resources for mental health, and spaces for engagement in the community. It was a reminder that Pride is much more than just a celebration; it’s a lifeline.

I strolled through the park and many were handing out pamphlets, answering questions, and making sure people knew where to go if they needed help. This is what Pride is really about - creating a space where people can find the care, affirmation, and resources they need. It’s something that doesn’t stop when the parade ends. Check out the 2025 Pride Guide put together by Spokane Pride.

Continuing the Work

Trans and BIPOC community members are still facing disproportionate harm and discrimination. Pride is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a call to continue fighting for justice, safety, and equity for all. It’s a commitment - not just for a month, but for every day of the year.

A Celebration of Now and the Future

As I stood in different areas of the festival grounds, watching the endless wave of people, my heart warmed. This wasn’t just about what we’ve accomplished; it was about what we are continuing to build together. Every conversation, every connection, every new friendship made that day was a small piece of something bigger, something that will carry us forward into the future.

What I experienced at Spokane Pride was more than a parade. It was a statement:
Joy is powerful.
Resistance can be loving.
Showing up matters.

So as we return to our everyday lives, let’s keep showing up for one another, for justice, for love. Talk to someone new. Create connections. Because connections build community, and community builds change.

Until we are all liberated, the fight continues. And it needs every one of us.