The event brought crowds to Fayetteville Street, where Out! Raleigh Pride marked its return to downtown, drawing participants eager to express themselves and connect with others in the community.
Attendees said the event creates a space where people can feel comfortable being themselves without fear of judgment, highlighting the importance of visibility and acceptance.
"I like being myself. And I'm seeing everybody out here being themselves and being who you are, not for somebody else to be judged," said Lesa Allen, of Roxboro.
Organizers and participants alike said the annual festival serves as a reminder of both progress and ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
"It's so important to have a space where we can just be ourselves and come together as a gay queer individuals and be ourselves with each other and have like minded individuals that we can fill ourselves with in the room," said Samantha Kublin, the creator of the group For the Girls of Raleigh & Durham.
Attendees also pointed to the broader context surrounding the celebration, noting that Pride events continue to carry significance beyond the festivities.
"There's still obviously work to do, especially with everything that's going politically. But regardless, you know that we will show up and they will be there," said Claire Siebert, of Carrboro.
Participants said events like Out Raleigh Pride foster community, encourage connection and reinforce the importance of continued advocacy.
ABC11 is a proud sponsor of Out! Raleigh Pride.