Hundreds turn out for Pride: Durham, showing LGBTQ solidarity ‘under attack’
More than 1,000 people lined West Main Street on Saturday for the annual Pride: Durham parade, celebrating unity and well-being in the LGBTQ community in what many described as threatening, uncertain times.
They sported rainbow designs on every available surface: umbrellas, sunglasses, streamers, fans and flags. Marchers strode past Duke University’s East Campus in platform shoes, knee-high socks or on roller skates, making a colorful and spirited show.
They carried signs expressing defiance in times many feel restrictions and rejection from both political and religious circles, noting the Trump’s administration’s eradicating DEI programs and not recognizing transgender identity.
“Don’t Mess With Trans Kids,” said one, mimicking the unofficial motto of Texas.
“Jesus Had Two Dads,” said another, “and he turned out great.”
“We’re all feeling a little bit attacked right now,” said Jeffrey Batchelor, watching the parade. “I thought it was important to show solidarity.”
Fear of lost federal funding
Durham County chose not to financially support the event this year, fearing the county would lose federal funding after the Trump administration threatened to pull dollars from municipalities over diversity issues. Doing so would risk $100 million the county receives to support several services, such as mental health, testing and Durham Public Schools.
County Commissioners Chair Nida Allam announced she would seek to raise $10,000 for the event, and that supporters including “American Idol” singer Clay Aiken had chipped in to help.
Pride: Durham continues Sunday.
This story was originally published September 27, 2025 at 2:55 PM with the headline "Hundreds turn out for Pride: Durham, showing LGBTQ solidarity ‘under attack’."