LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentuckiana Pride Foundation (KPF) has been in existence since the 1980's and one of their signature events takes place this weekend in downtown Louisville.
It all started out as the gay picnic in 1982.
"I think it started at Otter Creek Park, and then over the years, it's just evolved as an organization," KPF Vice President Tim Weyrauch said. The first Pride Festival took place later in 2001, followed by the parade in 2004.
He said they work with other organizations, like the Louisville Pride Foundation and the Kentuckiana AIDS Alliance, to raise awareness.
But Weyrauch also has a personal connection to Pride.
"So in my own journey, years ago, I was around 18, 19, years old when I first went to my own Pride festival, when it was hosted on the Belvedere and at that point, to see people that looked like me, had similarities as myself, really got me interested in getting involved in understanding more about the organization really that serves, serves the community, not just the LGBTQIA+ community, but certainly serving the community as a whole," he said.
Along with raising awareness, the foundation's goal is to make sure the festival is safe and enjoyable.
"Everyone's welcome," Weyrauch said. "I think it's quite important, because number one, we're here for the community, and so we want to bring community together, and the plus, and the LGBTQIA+, means everyone. We do have a policy that if there is any hate in any way, or any kind of demeanor in any way, that that will not be tolerated and that that will be truly ejected from the event."
Weyrauch is excited to see several acts and events throughout the day, but he considers the end of the festival to be extra special.
"And every year, when I see the close of the festival and the smiles in people's faces, and truly just people hugging and singing along with the artists that are on stage, it really just brings a lot of joy to my heart," he said.
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