MOORESVILLE, N.C. — For the first time in its 150-year history, Mooresville will host a Pride parade this weekend.
The parade was organized by the LGBTQ+ youth advocacy group C.L.E.V.E.R. with over 250 people signed up to participate in Saturday's parade. Despite the large crowd, organizers said there are many people in the town who would rather not see the event happen.
"We've been forced to hide our entire lives," Michael Kline, one of the group's co-founders, said. "Especially in Mooresville."
The inaugural Pride parade marches through downtown Mooresville at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Stephanie Kline and her son Michael said they felt it would be good for C.L.E.V.E.R. to sponsor the first Pride event.
The family said they recently moved because of a long history of community backlash. They said it's not surprising that come conservative-leaning and religious groups have already denounced the parade and they're worried about possible counter-protests.
"I just hope that they come out, regardless of their viewpoints, they come out with an understanding that these are children here and this is a family event," Kline said.
Mooresville's police chief said officers will be at the event to ensure public safety.
"They made it very, very clear that they're not here to hinder us but to help us," Michael Kline said.
Despite the tension surrounding the event, Kline says she hopes those who attend feel supported and find their community within Mooresville.
"You’re not alone, even if it feels like that sometimes," she said.
Mooresville police will close Main Street and McLelland Avenue for the parade. C.L.E.V.E.R. is starting small with just a parade but the group says if it's a success, they hope to host more Pride events in the future.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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