BOERNE– Six years after the first group of supporters marched down Main Street in support of the LGBT community both near and far, but continuing growth of the Boerne Pride Walk led to the creation of a new nonprofit.
Executive Director of the newly formed Boerne Pride nonprofit Anna Boyer-Chadwick is spearheading this year's Boerne Pride Walk, which is set to kick off at 9 a.m. with vendors, and the trek down Main will set off around 10 a.m. Saturday at the Patrick Heath Public Library.
“The Boerne Pride Walk in general gives people an opportunity to feel safe and to feel as though there are people out there that support them and are walking in solidarity with them,” Boyer-Chadwick said. “Because if we didn’t have this walk, how are people in our community going to know that we even exist? So, this is a great opportunity where people can come together and be themselves, be allies, come to support all individuals and help them thrive throughout our community.”
She said she’s from a small town – even moving from San Antonio to this Hill Country hamlet because she missed the slower pace and sense of community – and she said events like this help ensure cultural diversity, establishing a sense of security and safety for those in the LGBT community.
While there are other Pride Month events happening that day, Boyer-Chadwick encouraged locals to attend the walk in town first. Plus, those who get there at 9 a.m. and make it back to the local library after the march may go home with a special raffle prize.
Boyer-Chadwick said she’s been boots on the ground with the Boerne Pride Walk since its inception six years ago since her wife was heavily involved with the local PFLAG organization.
PFLAG is one the largest organizations in the country dedicated to “supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them,” according to the national organization's website.
“The last couple of years, I have organized and led with a bunch of amazing volunteers across the city, and if it wasn’t for the volunteers and people putting in their time, the Pride Walk wouldn’t exist,” Boyer-Chadwick said.
When asked what aspect of the walk stands out to her most in its growth over the years, Boyer-Chadwick said it’s the signs of support she sees every year in shop windows along the Hill Country during the Pride Walk.
“My favorite part is walking down Main Street because Boerne Pride walks businesses the week prior,” Boyer-Chadwick said, explaining that nonprofit representatives give business owners a heads up and offer them stickers to place outside to let participants know they are community allies.
She continued, “My favorite part every year is seeing business owners and employees come out and support the Pride Walk as well... My favorite part is the businesses. Some of the owners will come out and wave and be a part of it, and it just makes me so happy.”
She said there are about 20 volunteers that participate in the planning process for the pride march down the Hill Country Mile, but she said the team is always looking for more hands-on deck.
From handing out stickers to greeting those in attendance, the nonprofit leader said there are many roles to take on.
Anyone interested in volunteering their time or resources can email [email protected] or by visiting BoernePrideWalk. org.
Comment
Comments