paint. Ty mentioned that through his “style” and “fashion,” he was contributing to the festivity.

Bianca and Lindsie are residents of Eau Claire, WI. They made the 85-mile trip to Hastings, MN on June 12. This was not the first instance in which both ladies had ventured far for a Pride experience. “We typically hit a few different Pride parades so, we’re not local, but we like to travel and celebrate our Pride family wherever they are,” Bianca expressed. “It’s really fun coming to…other small, little cities and seeing how much more people come each year…It’s fascinating, it makes your heart happy!”

While chatting with The Journal, Lindsie insisted that it would take “decades” to list every essential progression for sparking feelings of safety and love in LGBTQ+ people. Bianca and herself mentioned one area in need of attention. Oftentimes, transgender people residing in little communities do not have local clinics that provide transition care. Twelve years ago, Bianca needed to drive her son from a small town in Wisconsin to Minneapolis in order to reach it. Although she affirmed that further work needs to be done to elevate the LGBTQ+ community, Lindsie noted that “impressive” improvements have surfaced over the years: “But, it’s much better. It has grown, there’s a lot more positive…than there was like ten years ago. So, seeing how much it’s grown and more stuff is available to people of…the whole LGBTQ community, it’s pretty impressive.”

A couple of organizations and teams marched alongside IDEA Hastings’ Pride Parade’s entrants. Elizabeth Lamin is an Assistant Ramsey County Attorney. Currently, she is campaigning to become the next Dakota County Attorney. Lamin and her supporters walked and distributed beads and candy last Saturday. “I’m hoping to run for Dakota County Attorney [and] represent everyone and make sure that everyone feels included and there is a space for everyone,” Lamin responded when questioned about what motivated her involvement in the Pride Parade.

Dr. Lesley Atwood represented Alina Health at the Pride Parade. Her organization walked a dressed-up dog and presented handmade posters during the march. In addition, the clinic gifted The Journal a rainbow-colored lei and, to the public, free water. The Pride Parade deemed significant to Alina Health. Dr. Atwood proved, “Honestly, it just means to let the GLBTQ community know that we really, really welcome the community into the clinic and expect them to feel like they have…a safe and welcoming atmosphere.”

Meanwhile, Alex Palacios stated that it was “important” for them to attend the walk. They are the Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party named, Stonewall DFL. 'We go to a ton of different Pride Events across the state…” Palacios smiled. “This is who we are. We are here because we are queer. We support movements of liberation for queer people and for anyone who deals with oppression. Because, we know that queerness exists at the intersection of race, gender… politics…so many other identities that people hold. And so, for us, it’s an absolute pleasure to be here at this very first and amazing event.”

It was a pleasure for The Journal to partake in IDEA Hastings’ Pride Parade of 2021 as well.

To see what IDEA Hastings has in store regarding upcoming events, one can visit ideaorganization. org/upcoming-events.