LGBTQ Community Feeling Right At Home At Pride On 39th

People from near and far traveled to Oklahoma City to celebrate Pride in the 39th street district. This is their 35th year of Pride.

Many people tell News 9 the 39th street district is a place where they feel like they can fully express themselves. This weekend, they're looking forward to feeling free.

OKC Pride kicked off its weekend full of celebration. Vendors lined the street of Pride offering their support to Oklahomans of any background. Eli Maimo said it's something she's been looking forward to and that 39th street feels like home.

“My family is like not that inclusive I would say and so just like a place to be around so many people that get you and just have the same experience at home is nice,” Maimo said.

Maimo said Pride to her means promoting love and equality and she wants to see more of that everywhere.

“I go to a private school and it's not as accepting as I would like, lots of bullying at times. It's not great, but I’m getting by and things like this help me keep going,” Maimo said.

Anthony Garringer said he can relate. He traveled to OKC from Ardmore. For him, 39th street isn't just a vibrant community, but a place he feels supported.

“The world says that you're less than and unequal to. It says you need to hide yourself. And pride is saying no I’m here on this earth and I mean something,” Garringer said.

Garringer said although he would like to see more done for people like himself to feel included. This week is about celebrating how much things have improved.

“By deciding to come out as a gay person, you made the decision that you're going to give up a lot of different things, but I had to live my truth. Pride is a place where people can just be themselves,” Garringer said.

There will be events all weekend leading up the parade on Sunday.