DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – June 1 was the start of Pride Month, and when Dubuque held its annual Pride Festival.
Organizers of the festival said the event has continued to grow every year. This year was the first time Audrey Farrey, 12, had ever attended a Pride event. She said seeing people who are like her gave her confidence.
“Growing up and, like, knowing that other people feel different ways made me feel like I was able to come out of my shell,” Farrey said.
Danny Sprank, a committee member of DBQ Pride, said that’s exactly why he helps organize the festival.
“I do it for all the kids. I do it for the future generations,” Sprank said. “I want them to feel loved and accepted and welcomed in our community and our state in general. We know there’s not been fun stuff going on lately. And so we want them to know that they’ve got a safe place.”
Sprank is referring to a slate of recently signed legislation. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was signed this year, and some LGBTQ advocates say it threatens their rights by allowing discrimination against them.
A new law signed in 2023 prevents teachers from raising gender identity or sexual orientation with younger students. That law is currently being challenged in court, with a judge saying that the provision was “wildly overbroad.”
“It’s been rough for a lot of members of our community, and folks and families kind of sometimes debate on if they want to stay,” Sprank said.
He added one of the goals of this Pride event was to let people know Iowa is a welcoming place.
“I want them to know that they can stay in town and the state and still find something here that’s good for them,” Sprank said.
A message that Farrey is also passing along.
“Be who you are,” Farrey said. “No matter what anybody thinks, it’s important that you’re you.”
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