Seventh annual Boerne Pride Walk deemed a success
Hundreds of people, most draped in colors of the rainbow, marched the Hill Country Mile Saturday, taking part in the seventh annual Boerne Pride Walk.
“Connecting Hearts, Building Unity” was the theme of the day as attendees gathered on the Patrick Heath Public Library amphitheater grounds for an hour of socializing before marching down Main Street and back.
Anna Boyer-Chadwick, executive director of Boerne Pride, a 501c3 nonprofit, said the gathering and walk brought people together for a common cause.
“This is a walk that allows people to have a safe space and to feel connected to the community. We have fantastic businesses on Main Street that support us,” Boyer-Chadwick said.
“We do this in the morning, so families can bring their children and their pets, and we all hang out for about an hour,” she said, thanking the vendors and resource tables set up in the shade outside the library.
“We just get people in the mood for people to get walking, then we all walk together,” she added.
Sani Hogan is president of PFLAG-Boerne, the group that originated the Walk and celebration eight years ago.
“We have been planning and putting things together since December,” Hogan said. “We had about 250300 marchers today. Three years ago, we had 700 but that was right after Covid, everyone wanted to get out.”
She said the event is promoted as a day in the park: family-friendly, alcohol- free and open to all.
“That’s part of why we do the walk, for visibility — to allow them to be reminded that we are all here and to accept us, and to be part of the community,” Hogan added.
Wyatt Larsh opened the day with a song, “You Saved My Life,” which he dedicated to his mother and allies in the community.
“Allies are everything in this community,” Larsh said. “Growing up queer here in Boerne, it was really hard ... but places like this, events like this, made it possible.”
Ricardo Martinez made the trip in from San Antonio to support the Boerne effort.
“I think it’s important to support small town pride events,” Martinez said. “I grew up in a small town and when I was growing up, something like this never would have happened.
“I think it’s important ... to make a presence, so young people can see it’s OK, that there’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’re just living out authentic self,” he added.
Elizabeth Grahmann said Saturday’s attendance felt alive, vibrant and larger than last year’s event.
“It was a great turnout today. It was a really good energy out here today,” Grahmann said. “It’s great to see that we’re growing and that there’s more visibility and inclusion in the community. We do have a lot of allies, we’re really thankful for our allies.”
Lynn Bellow, a PFLAG board member, said it was wonderful to see so many people turn out to support Saturday’s event.
“It’s wonderful to have the community come together in love, supporting our neighbors,” Bellow said. “We all come together because we love each other. That’s what it’s about.”
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