Scenes from the 2014 Charlotte Pride Parade
Johnny Johnson, Charlotte resident and member of Caldwell Presbyterian Church, waves at onlookers during the 2014 Charlotte Pride Parade.
Charlotte resident William Charnock waves to parade participants in front of protesters. Willaim said he loves that the parade is here and doesn’t understand why people have to protest.
Parade Marshal and previous Mayor Patsy Kinsey receives flowers from Jim Thompson during the Charlotte Pride Parade. “It’s growing every year,” she said. “There’s absolutely no question about that.”
Charlotte resident and drag queen, Nina Fierra, prepares for the start of the 2014 Charlotte Pride Parade. In the past, Fierra has missed out due to busy weekends as a hairstylist.
Dancer Alex Griffith walking and performing during the Charlotte Pride Parade. Alex also performed in last years reviving of the parade.
Rev. Evie Landrau of Caldwell Presbyterian Church waves at onlookers during the 2014 Charlotte Pride Parade.
Two parade participants wearing balloons from Flowers of Charlotte.
Gastonia resident Rhonda McLamb holds back Cooper as he tries to get a better look at the parade.
Charlotte resident, Johnathan Lopez, high fives a member of Caldwell Presbyterian Church during the 2014 Charlotte Pride Parade.
Chester Cheeta walks along the parade route during the 2014 Charlotte Pride Parade.
Alyssa Hansen of Salisbury and Max Clark of Blythewood, SC attend the Charlotte Pride Festival for the first time.
From left to right, Brittnay, Katie and Leslie cheer for parade participants during the 2014 Charlotte Pride Parade.
CJ, of Huntersville, holds his ears as a group of motorcycles pass during the 2014 Charlotte Pride Parade.
LaWana Mayfield attended her first Charlotte Pride event years before she was elected to public office. Mayfield, the first openly gay council member, served as a grand marshal for the Sunday event, which has grown from a few thousand to more than 80,000. Moments before her town car helps lead the 2014 Charlotte Pride Parade down Tryon St., she gives a broad smile when asked this question: What does it mean for Charlotte that this thing keeps on growing?
LOGAN CYRUS
LaWana Mayfield was one of two grand marshals at this year's Charlotte Pride event.
"It means that the Charlotte community and surrounding areas are growing and know the improtants of celebrating, encouraging, and supporting diversity," she says. "Our LGBT community are our neighbors, brothers, sisters, elected officials, teachers and they should be supported. This is a way to come out and do it in one big party."
As a marching band's drumline kicks into a cadence at the back of the line, Mayfield snaps a shot of fellow grand marshal Patsy Kinsey, seated in the car ahead. Last year, Kinsey was the first mayor to ever march with the parade, when she served in the interim position. The council member is back this year to help the Queen City celebrate again. "It’s just exhilarating," she said. "And everyone is so nice, so loving, and so kind."
In the gallery below, witness more scenes from the 2014 Charlotte Pride Parade, which included Queen City businesses, colleges, non-profits, leaders, and mostly, private citizens.
