Decatur PrideFest brings groups together: ‘You are not alone’

“It’s like a makeshift cave,” said her owner, Rachelle Born.

The snake was one of three animals to take part in the Pet Pride Parade. Showing off her pet was important to Born.

“A lot of people are afraid of snakes, so I just like to show them that she is the most docile animal,” she said.

PrideFest 2024 was held Saturday at Fairview Park in Decatur. The event was created for the local LGBTQA community, said Mark Schleeter, president of Decatur Illinois Pride.

“It gives them a place to gather, to be appreciated, to be seen, and to know that they’re accepted and cared about,” he said. “But also to let the community know we’re here.”

PrideFest offered family-friendly activities, including face painting by Sally the Clown, candle making, music and the pet parade. More than 50 retail vendors and nonprofit agencies met with visitors as they passed through the Fairview Park Pavilion.

“Last year we had 40-something,” Schleeter said about the number of vendors. “The year before that we had 30-something.”

Mixed among the vendors was the local branch of PFLAG, an organization that provides support, education and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people and their families.

“We’re here to help if anybody has any questions, wants to talk or meet with us,” said Kyle Gebke, president of Decatur PFLAG.

According to Schleeter, this year marks the fifth PrideFest in Decatur.

“But our committee has been doing this for three years,” he said.

One of the first vendors visible to visitors was author Joe Chianakas from Peoria. He has written several series of books, including “Rabbit in Red” and “Pride and Persistence,” devoted to the struggles people have navigating homophobia in various communities, including school.

“You are not alone, you are safe and you can be yourself,” he said. “Coming to Pride is really important to be visible in the community. We are your neighbors, your friends, your teachers, your writers. Let’s let people see who we are.”

Several churches were greeting people while offering words of encouragement and support.

This year was the first PrideFest for attendee Sam Marrs. “I was surprised how many churches and religious organizations were here and how welcoming they’ve been,” he said.

Maureen Rouski, chair Christian nurturer from the United Church of Christ, organizes educational groups and support activities.

“We want people to know that they are welcome. Everyone is welcome,” she said. “We spread the word of love and acceptance.”

Rouski is aware of other religious affiliations that are not as welcoming.

“We do know there are still congregations that are promoting division and hate,” she said. “So we want to make sure that everyone in the community knows that they are welcome to worship with us.”

Other organizations were on hand to offer support and provide information on their services, such as Prairieland Service Coordination Inc, an advocacy agency for those with disabilities.

“We want to get the word out,” said Terri Bristow, coordinator. “There’s so many people that struggle.”

Several of the agencies were at PrideFest to have fun.

Members of the Decatur Audubon Society were encouraging community involvement as well. Melody Arnold assisted family and participants in using flowers to create various crafts.

“Nature can make it,” she said.