The freedom to celebrate one’s authentic self and raise the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals as part of its rainbow are only two segments of Reston Pride engagement. Founded in 2018, the local grassroots Northern Virginia organization Reston Pride held a free public concert and festival with a reported 43 market vendors on June 19 at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston.

Individuals and local elected officials celebrated. They spoke one-on-one and at the microphone of victories toward inclusive education, community outreach, and resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their straight allies in Reston and surrounding communities.

But they also reminded those gathered that hard work and meaningful change remain to support, affirm, and celebrate all LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially transgender and gender diverse people. These individuals experience marginalization within the general community and school systems. They are victimized by prejudice, discrimination, disrespectful comments, and violent crimes because of their gender identity or expression.

Viewpoints:

Elected Officials Speak