Bisbee Pride 2016

Bisbee’s Gay Pride weekend was just this last weekend, June 17-19. Once again, the town was full of men and women of all ages and persuasions. For me, the highlight is always the parade. 

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to walk this year, but my partner and I did get a great spot along the route to watch. I lost more than a few shots when he waved just as I clicked the shutter, but I still got some decent ones.
Thankfully, the parade was held at 7PM to avoid the day’s heat. Due to the shade, though, some of the colors’ vibrancy is missing.

The first in the parade were some of the ever-growing group that call themselves The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. You’ll see some of them in later photos and recognize them by their costuming and white faces.

Then came some of the B.R.A.T.S. – the Bisbee Rolling Arts Transport Society. They sponsor a wonderful art coaster parade each year and some join in the Pride parade.

They were followed by a few art cars, then the Mule Mountain Democrats and St. Josh’s Episcopal Church, both groups always there to remind us of their support for diversity.

The one below is the Bisbee for Bernie car.

 There were also several tributes to the shooting victims in Orlando.

Then came a person with a lovely tiara. I don’t know if this was a cross-dressing man, a woman, or a transgender person. But the effect is great.

More Sisters led and carried the Tucson AIDS Ribbon. It has names of all who have died of AIDS and is way, way too long.

The parade was over in about forty minutes. Many headed into the local bars, but my partner and I headed home to the quietude of Naco and life on the border.