Rochester Pride will be LGBTQ+ celebration and protest of new laws in NH, organizer says

ROCHESTER — Rochester Pride, which is being held this Saturday, Aug. 24, has two purposes for the LGBTQ+ community, according to event coordinator Ashley Desrochers.

"Pride is a celebration and a protest," said Desrochers, a former Rochester city councilor. "It is relevant this year as we just saw several pieces of legislation passed attacking our community. That includes the law Gov. Chris Sununu (signed) barring transgender youth from playing in school sports. Thankfully the court disagreed."

Desrochers was referencing a ruling Monday by Judge Landya McCafferty of the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire stating Parker Tirrell, 15, a transgender girl, can participate in practices and games for the Plymouth Regional High School girls soccer team, at least until the court meets again later this month. The ruling applies only to Tirrell, though plaintiffs are seeking a broader ruling that allows all transgender athletes to play.

New Hampshire's new law banning transgender girls from playing school sports for grade 5-12 is one of multiple bills brought forward by Republicans and signed by Sununu this year involving regulations regarding the LGBTQ+ community.

Sununu also signed a bill banning gender-affirming procedures for those under 18 years old and another bill that requires advance notice of “any curriculum course material” for education on sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, and allows parents to opt their children out.

Desrochers said attacks on groups like the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) communities are happening daily. She said it is very important for their voices to be heard.

What to expect at Rochester Pride on Saturday

It will run from noon to 3 p.m. in downtown Rochester, featuring vendors with food, art, speakers and live music.

"Hanson Street will be closed off and we will be partly in Central Square," Desrochers said. "This is all about people who love and support our community.

"Pride is a family-friendly, pet-friendly event," she said.

Desrochers encourages people to attend and be safe.

"Anyone who is sick, please stay home," she said. "We need to look after all our people, including those who might be disabled or immunocompromised."

History of Rochester Pride

Rochester Pride was first organized by Matt Wyatt in 2016.

In August 2022, Mayor Paul Callaghan declared August to be Rochester Pride month, saying, "This is a great community event. I am glad to see it supported by Rochester Main Street. I don't see this as a political event, but as a way to welcome everyone here."

In his speech, Callaghan said all humans are born equal. He said the city is committed to ensuring every individual has dignity and worth.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rochester Pride will be LGBTQ+ celebration and protest of new laws in NH, organizer says