I have a few sets of outfit photos from the last week or so, and I was planning on posting those first and saving these pictures from Saturday for later in the week. But in light of the news we woke up to on Sunday morning, I decided my Pride festival post needed to take priority. I know we all tend to feel helpless when we watch the news and hear about tragedies like the Orlando shooting, so this is just a reminder that there are still decent people doing decent things in the world. So let’s celebrate some decency.
Last week was Pride Week here in Indianapolis, culminating with the parade and festival on Saturday. I joined some friends early before the parade for grilled breakfast sandwiches, mimosas, muffins, and fruit salad. Our group was its own fruit salad of sorts – I think we had the L, the G, the B, the T, and the allies all covered! It was cool being there early to watch the crowd grow, and to see how friendly complete strangers can be to each other. We were sharing sunscreen, “happy pride!” greetings, and various rainbow paraphernalia with everyone who passed.
A little bit of the swag I collected during the parade.
That cutie in the sweatband is my wife, playing drums at the beginning of the parade with the Pride of Indy band!
Two of these fabulous queens are good friends of mine.
And I don’t know her but damn, I think she’s pulling off this dress better than I could.
I decided to start the day with a cute outfit, knowing that I would gradually melt as noon rolled around. This was post-parade, and I’m actually pretty impressed that I still looked this put together. Afterwards we went home to nap and clean up, and I changed into an absolutely un-fashion-blogger outfit consisting of tank top, shorts, and flip flops to head to the festival. What can I say – it was 95 degrees and I will only make so many sacrifices for fashion.
Can we talk about the headliner for the festival? EN. VOGUE. They were amazing. If you don’t believe me, you can check out the video I posted on Instagram.
Dress // Bag // similar Hat
Saturday was such a wonderful day that made me feel really good about the community I get to be a part of. I’m lucky that I have never felt discriminated against in a way that made me scared for my safety, but there’s still something about Pride that makes me feel more at ease and like no one is judging me. Unfortunately, I think it’s inevitable that people will continue to be attacked in the places where they feel most safe. Thoughts and prayers don’t help anyone except the ones doing the thinking and praying. Victims of tragedies need tangible help: money, blood, time. Equality Florida is raising money through a GoFundMe fundraiser. If anyone else knows of (reputable) organizations collecting funds, please leave a link in the comments.
I encourage everyone to give a few bucks, and then celebrate something decent today.
Peace, love, & rainbows,
Sarah