Pride Visalia returned to rural central California this past weekend. It was the second event of its kind for this conservative area. Yet the attendance nearly doubled in size compared to the first year's event. Event organizers Brian Poth and Nick Vargas of The Source LGBT+ Center attribute this increase in popularity to a well-organized event, community involvement, and the great need for LGBT+ people in this area to feel connected. People of all ages were represented as well as many families. Pride Visalia was a very family-friendly event, even featuring a "Kids Zone" put on by local LGBT+ affirming churches. The event also featured drag shows, art booths, photo booths, a youth choir, and a surprise flash mob. Many adventurous people also climbed the rock wall and used the dunk tank. People were entertained all day, and if their faces are an indication, Pride Visalia will only keep growing. After Pride Visalia, gay comedian Scott Nevins performed his show, "Center of Attention" to a sold out audience and raised money for The Source as well as $1,500 to fund it's youth scholarships. Photos by Dean Jackson.
In addition to Dean's photos of the event, we have also included in this gallery Daniel Bonilla Vera's "Portraits of Pride." Daniel showcases the faces of Pride and brings out people as they are: raw, fun, and unedited. He also believes that nontraditional beauty should be represented in LGBT-themed pictures. You can check out his work here.
