Oshkosh Pride is a joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ community

OSHKOSH, WI – (WISS) – Hundreds of people showed up at the Leach Amphitheatre Saturday to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with Oshkosh Pride. Luke Shelton is one of the primary organizers for Oshkosh Pride.

“I love how Oshkosh Pride went today!” said Shelton. “Zero problems. Zero hitches. To me the best part of our Pride fest today was giving out the stickers and bubbles. And seeing all the smiles. And watching people dance. That was it for me!”

Oshkosh Pride brought hundreds of people to the Leach Amphitheater Saturday. Julie Ann was one of the participants.

“I’ve been gay since I was 16 years old , and now I’m 66,” said Julie Ann, one of the Pride celebrants. “I’ve been with the same person for 38 years!”

Other participants celebrated as allies, who arepeople who love and support the LGBTQ+ community. Shannon is one of those allies.

“I have a transgender son. He just turned 18 last year. He came out when he was around 11 or 12. I’ve just been trying to go through this journey with him. And try to understand what he is going through with his emotions and feelings. It’s really changed me as a person. I’ve really learned a lot. I’ve become very educated about transgender rights. And just how kind of, the political platform right now is a little frightening for my kid. I am just so proud of my kid. I am so happy that he’s actually living as his true self; his real life. It’s been a really emotional journey. But it’s also been a good, good journey too,” Shannon said.

Samantha said events like Oshkosh Pride give them a sense of belonging.

“I’m pansexual,” said Samantha. “When I grew up. there wasn’t really a large gay presence in my community. Very small town, everybody knew everyone. There was maybe one gay person in the entire town.”

Celebrations included live music, drag performances, vendor booths, and more. WISS is proud to have been a sponsor of Oshkosh Pride.