By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com
The first Westfield Pride Celebration on Saturday afternoon at Asa Bales Park welcomed more than 1,200 attendees with open arms. Literally, Free Mom Hugs in Indiana was the first booth at the north entrance to the park.
Adrianna Randle and Kathleen Berberich came from Frankfort and Plainfield, respectively, to welcome everyone to Westfield Pride with Free Mom Hugs in Indiana. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
“I think it is important to show everyone in Westfield that they belong and that they can feel welcome in their own community,” said Westfield Pride Board Secretary Jennifer Hill.
Alisha Hunter, Westfield Pride board president and mom of an LGBTQ+ child, said she began thinking about the idea back in 2020. A core group started meeting in March of this year to make plans.
“It’s great that Carmel has Pride, and it’s awesome that Indy has Pride. We need this in Westfield,” Hunter said. “We have LGBTQ people here, and we want them to know that there is community here for them.”
For those who wonder why the celebration didn’t happen in June for Pride Month, Hunter said that they couldn’t pull it together in time and still produce a quality event.
“We really wanted to do it this year,” she said. “Pride happens any time. People aren’t just gay in June. Plus, the weather is better.”
Four-month-old Ivy was feeling the love, giving kisses to her foster mom, Valerie Watson, who is on the board of Redemption Rescue. Ivy and her sister, Quinn, are available for adoption at redemptionrescueinc.com. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
Sponsors included Capital Group, Breathe Easy Hamilton County, Meijer, and LeAnne Zentz of Zentz Realty with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty.
Around 60 booths included local artisans and queer-owned companies.
A youth zone offered face painting, games, and a story time with local author Rebecca Flannery.
Kids were also able to participate in a service project with Seeds of Caring. Passionate about getting children involved with volunteering, Seeds of Caring helped children assemble kits for Trinity Haven Indy. Trinity Haven provides safe, affirming housing for LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing housing instability.
Though the past couple of weeks brought some controversy with confirmation and subsequent announcement of a family-friendly drag show, the event went even more smoothly than the organizers expected.
“I think the fact that we had no issues is proof that we live in a world that is open and loving to all,” said Hunter.
New Joy Lutheran Church Pastor Chris Duckworth read from 1 Corinthians 13 of the Bible, sometimes referred to as the “love chapter.” (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
Pastor Chris Duckworth from New Joy Lutheran Church addressed the crowd just after the opening at 2 p.m.
“I have learned that love is the only thing that really matters at the end of the day,” Duckworth said. “Westfield is a place of pride, of love, of acceptance and of community.”
Hunter has also found Westfield to be a community of abundant support.
“I have met so many people who are so devoted to making Pride safe and welcoming,” Hunter said. “And that is the overarching thing about this event – community.”