Parades and politics are often inextricably linked, and that was certainly the case during the Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade on Sunday.
Candidates for both local and national office attended, hoping their visibility at the event that attracts thousands would persuade some voters to their side. This year, however, politics loomed over the proceedings, with the election two days away and a showdown between former President Donald Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris on the ballot.
“Pride is a political activity, so the parade itself is an opportunity for folks to celebrate who want to celebrate. And it’s the opportunity for folks to raise awareness on the issues that are important to them,” said Greater Palm Springs Pride President and CEO and Palm Springs Councilmember Ron deHarte.
“People look at Pride weekend as a big celebration, but it is an act of social justice,” he added. “It’s an act of political activism, with the LGBTQ community and their allies coming out and showing the impact that the LGBTQ community has in Palm Springs. It really demonstrates the scope and the depth of how far the LGBTQ community reaches in the city.”
Beginning at 10 a.m. in downtown Palm Springs and stretching into the afternoon, this year’s pride event featured many of the familiar floats and participants from years past. It served as a celebration of LGBTQ+ strength and acceptance, and showcased community support.
For some, the election appeared top of mind. Harris/Walz T-shirts adorned several viewers and a few wore Democrat Vice-President candidate Tim Walz’s signature camouflage hat.
Attendee James Larson said the election was “constantly” on his mind. He’s participated in the parade for the last two years, but decided to watch it this year.
“It’s very consequential for us, because I think LGBT people are in jeopardy if Trump wins,” he said. “We’re out here to try to celebrate what we hope is going to be Kamala Harris’ victory.”
Trump‘s insignia was noticeably absent from the parade route, perhaps not a surprise given Palm Springs has 19,803 registered Democrats and only 4,380 registered Republicans according to the latest voter data. Still, the parade could be seen as a counter point to a rally the former president held just outside Coachella about three weeks ago, bringing thousands of his supporters to the area.
But for some, the parade was an opportunity to escape the sometimes toxic rhetoric of the campaign trail. Elle Nouveau, a drag queen from Idaho, visited Palm Springs to participate in the parade with a friend.
“I’m in a very red state, so I’m escaping this weekend,” Nouveau said. “I don’t have a huge community where I’m from, so just to see this many people out, with queer people everywhere and openness is really fun to see. I really enjoy it.”
This year’s parade featured artist Aaron Allen Marner as the grand marshal. Local dignitaries were carried in stylish cars and volunteers handed out goodies and candy to viewers. Alaska Airlines even brought a large balloon in the shape of an airplane, which appeared to have trouble with the occasional gust of wind.
It could be a bit overwhelming, especially for a first-time participant. Loretta Scheurer moved to Palm Springs about a year ago and went to her first parade on Sunday.
“So far it’s nice,” she said as she waited for the parade to begin. “I have no idea what it’s going to be, but it’s exciting to just stand for people.”
Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: As election nears, politics loomed over Palm Springs Pride Parade
