Record-breaking turnout for BBH LGBTQ+ Pride Fest

Thousands of people attended this year’s annual Pride Fest celebration in Broadview Heights on June 8 – which featured dozens of crafts vendors and nonprofit resource points, local food trucks and a team of private security personnel.

In a public Facebook post Monday, Brecksville-Broadview Heights (BBH) Pride said the group was “humbled and delighted,” by the event’s outcome. After months of intense anti-LGBTQ+ backlash leading up to the family-friendly event, the festival drew just one protestor.

Broadview Heights residents stir anti-LGBTQ+ political action after city co-sponsors LGBTQ+ Pride Fest

The anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric around the event prompted United States Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Columbus) and acclaimed writer, journalist and educator Connie Schultz to appear at the event in a public show of support.

The couple greeted festival-goers on the green and public amphitheater outside the Broadview Heights Recreation Center, where children and families enjoyed live music, games, and craft activities.

Anti-LGBTQ+ backlash reaches fever pitch ahead of Broadview Heights’ Pride Fest

While speaking with organizers, Brown – who recently launched an LGBTQ+ coalition to help engage LGBTQ+ Ohioans in his re-election campaign – said he felt it was important that he and Schultz attend BBH Pride Fest in-person.

“I was just brought up that way,” Brown told The Buckeye Flame. “I’ve always been supportive of human rights – no exceptions.” 🔥

Ignite Action

To view The Buckeye Flame’s 2024 Ohio LGBTQ+ Pride Guide, click here.
If you are a young LGBTQ+ person in crisis, please contact the Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor.
If you are an transgender adult in need of immediate help, contact the National Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860