By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – Organizers of Springfield’s PrideFest say it’s the largest such event in downstate Illinois.
“It’s important to celebrate how far we as LGBTQ people have come,” said Phoenix Center volunteer Dean Mentjes, one of the organizers, “to be here to be visible, to support each other, and also to support those who are still struggling who need support.”
Struggle?
“People who are transgender are not being accepted, people are not respecting their pronouns, not respecting the name they choose,” said Mentjes. We’re here to support them and say we see you, we validate you, we’re with you, we love you.”
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, decked out in a rainbow tiara and rainbow socks, annually takes part.
“I know what it’s like to be discriminated against,” Stratton said. “I know what it’s like to be excluded. I know what it’s like for someone to say that I don’t belong.
“As a Black woman, as a woman, as a woman leader, as a mom, and I want (my youngest daughter) to grow up in the world to know that she can be exactly she wants to be and know that that’s okay.”
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]
