June is just around the corner and our city is ready to celebrate a vibrant, colorful and powerful pride parade in the heart of Detroit. The Motor City Pride Parade is a special tradition that commemorates the progress of the LGBTQ communities’ struggle for rights and equality over the years.
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This successful festival is the largest LGBTQ event in Michigan and one of the most important in the United States. More than 65,000 participants enjoy this incredible and joyful experience of self-expression that defines Detroit’s LGBTQ spirit. This year will be a one-of-a-kind celebration, so raise your flag with pride and learn more about the Motor City Pride Parade.
Pride Parade History
The first edition of the parade took place in June 1972, when a large number of people gathered in downtown Detroit to protest homophobic laws. This moment was especially significant in our city’s history, and marked the first step in working for the recognition of LGBTQ rights.
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Indeed, the mission of the Motor City Pride Parade is to foster pride and respect for the LGBTQ community in Detroit. There are three main pillars of this significant event:
- Advocate for equal rights and protections for all Michiganians who are part of the community.
- Connect with organizations, businesses, clubs and individuals in general to learn about special activities and events to achieve full equality.
- Celebrate social advances for the LGBTQ community and, of course, celebrate our true selves.
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Celebration and resilience
Over the years, the Motor City Pride Parade became a living testament of resilience, empowerment and love. Also, this festival includes more events to celebrate the LGBTQ community, such as a picnic that includes drag shows, dance performance, marching band, live music, food trucks and more surprises.
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This 2025, the festival will be held on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. The entrance gate will be located on Jefferson Avenue, Saturday will be open from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm. On Sunday, the gates will be open from 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Tickets for the festival are $5 and can be purchased by card or credit card.
The Pride Parade begins Sunday, June 8 at noon at Heart Plaza, 1 West Jefferson. Some recommendations are: wear comfortable clothes, don’t forget your flag, wear sunscreen, stay hydrated and remember pets or smoking are not allowed.
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Join the Motor City Pride Parade and experience this amazing celebration with Fort Pontchartrain Detroit. Our hotel is located just blocks from Hart Plaza, the heart of the Pride Festival. BOOK HERE!
For more information on the Motor City Pride Parade, click HERE to visit the official website.
