Organizer Erin Bailey at Pride | Photo: Twitter @erindigsplants
Over the weekend, Columbus, Indiana held its very first Pride. The place also happens to be the hometown of one Vice President Mike Pence, known for his anti-LGBTQ politics.
Pence said he was ‘proud’ of his hometown.
Alyssa Farah, a representative for Pence, said: ‘Vice President Pence commends Erin Bailey [organizer of Columbus Pride] for her activism and engagement in the civic process.
‘As a proud Hoosier and Columbus native, [Pence] is heartened to see young people from his hometown getting involved in the political process.’
The power to summon an army of queers
Though Pence said he supported the event, he didn’t attend and there was still plenty of references to the Veep throughout the day.
One of the most visibile was Mike ‘Hot’ Pence himself making an appearance!
Just look at those legs | Photo: Instagram @mikehotpence
He came out with his trademark outfit — a suit sans pants and a rainbow tie. He also carried around a jar taking donations for LGBTQ youth.
Mike Hot-Pence is here collecting money for Indiana Youth Group at #ColumbusINpride. Lots of people stopping for photos. pic.twitter.com/qJF1eGAfpg
— Barbara Brosher (@BabsofBtown) April 14, 2018
Plenty of people walked around taking pictures with him too.
Mike Hot Pence with attendees | Photo: Instagram @emma.the.teal.tiger
Everyone else also brought out their best for the day.
It was a rousing success and a huge win for the town of 46,850 people.
Drag performer August Celestial showed up and had a grand time.
August Celestial in Columbus | Photo: Instagram @august.celestial
‘This weekend Columbus Indiana held their first ever pride ever and they tore it UP!!!’ Celestial wrote on Instagram. ‘I am so incredibly proud of @erinlikesplants who started this whole thing! Girl you now have the power to summon an army of queers!!’
People during the parade | Photo: Instagram @tony.vasquez_
Under a rainbow arch | Photo: Instagram @_.wade_hall._
‘I’m lucky to be living in a time where love is ok to love,’ one user, Wade Hall, wrote.
‘Love comes in colors, shapes, sizes, that’s what so great about it. We all seem to be caught up in it. Though it seems to be as if this world doesn’t have enough. No matter the age, we should be taught to love. Love will make our home a better place.’
@VP you should feel extra proud of your hometown today.🌈#ColumbusINPride pic.twitter.com/QVNsvprb0m
— megan (@meganfurber) April 14, 2018
There was still criticism of Pence, though.
Bartholomew County Democrats. #ColumbusINPride pic.twitter.com/YuiCiUpgdG
— Christopher Stroop (@C_Stroop) April 14, 2018
#ColumbusInPride
Spread the word…young activists organizing first Pride festival in @VP hometown #ColumbusIn https://t.co/LFi1xknDN2— Beth Hardesty (@bahardesty) April 7, 2018
“More fornication, less hate”! 😆❤️#ColumbusINPride #LoveIsLove pic.twitter.com/tYzA20NeEy
— Christopher Stroop (@C_Stroop) April 14, 2018
Organizer Erin Bailey also took to Twitter, thanking everyone for turning out.
I just want to give a huge thanks to everyone who came out to Columbus Pride Festival yesterday to celebrate love!! #ColumbusINPride pic.twitter.com/hTUtoflO91
— Erin Bailey (@erindigsplants) April 15, 2018
