After Orlando mass shooting, Orange County kicks off gay parade Saturday with tighter security
Just two weeks after a gunman shot 49 people dead and wounded 53 at an Orlando, Fla., gay nightclub, Orange County kicks off a gay parade with beefed-up security.
The parade will be the highlight of O.C. Pride Week, with at least 30 groups marching along a route in Santa Ana just short of a mile, according to Steve Romano, parade director for O.C. LGBT Pride.
“We want people not to worry and enjoy themselves. There will be a lot of commotion, but we’re excited that everyone’s coming together to share a message of love and unity, no matter who you are,” Romano said. “Bring your families. Bring your friends. In past years, we’ve had dogs hanging out with us. We’re here to focus on identity and inclusion.”
He and his team participated in the recent L.A. Pride parade and they shadowed organizers of other Southern California Pride events — even heading to Las Vegas Pride to learn the ropes and to better understand how to boost attendance as well as to control crowds.
A core group started planning for the parade this last January, working with police, mapping the route and winning support from vendors and business owners in the city’s historic district.
While Romano could not reveal specific security plans, he said there will be “visible police presence” along with plainclothes officers.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Main Street, between Washington Avenue and 3rd Street. A free festival will follow at noon with attractions, dance floors, performance stages and a kids’ club.
For the festivities, Romano said organizers chose Santa Ana because of its central location between Los Angeles and San Diego counties. “Some cities may not want to welcome us, but we believe we should fight for our rights, celebrate diversity and share our message.”
Twitter: @newsterrier
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