TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Pride was underway this weekend as thousands of people walked and lined the streets of downtown Tulsa.

The parade started at 13th and Boston and ended at the Equality Center downtown.

While there was a party atmosphere, there was also a serious message about the LGBTQ+ community being able to express themselves.

FOX23 spoke to people in the parade, who said they wanted to celebrate love and equality.

“We are so excited to be part of this history year and we’re just excited hot but excited,” said Ryland Bristow.

“It just puts a statement out on what Tulsa is and what we are as a community and it’s like powerful,” said Alistar.

“I’m so proud to be in Tulsa and see all this love and acceptance this thing is huge,” said Joshua Pennington.

2022 was the biggest parade in Tulsa Pride history, there were around 200 floats and thousands of people walking and lining the streets.

The rainbows, balloons, sparkly tinsel, floats and banners were all part of an important message celebrating the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community.

Chandler Lewis walked with his coworkers from Starbucks

“For decades we’ve been hidden and scared and feared and disgusted so it’s important to march like this because we were feared disgusted,” said Lewis.

With the overturning of Roe v. Wade there are worries changes to gay rights rulings could be next.

Timothy Crisp said that makes Pride more important than ever.

Crisp was in the parade representing The Christ Church Episcopal Dioceses

“Is it worrisome? Yes if I allow myself to live in fear, but I know that we will rise as a community, we will stand as a community, and we will fight for what we deserve as a human fundamental right,” said Crisp.

The message from Pride to Tulsa and Oklahoma – everyone is welcome and love always wins.

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