Activities

Hilo Pride draws rainbow crowd celebrating ‘Fabulous Free Future’

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Aaries the Extra got up at 3 a.m. to get ready for the 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival on June 24 in Hilo on the Big Island. (Photo by Megan Moseley/Big Island Now).

Aaries Judd-Sombrio, who’s drag persona is Aaries the Extra, got up at 3 a.m. on Saturday to do his bright green hair and psychedelic makeup. He also put the finishing touches of his elaborate outfit that featured rhinestones and platform boots.

He wanted to look fabulous for the 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade in downtown hilo.

“I feel like it’s a fashion statement because it’s a time to really, really show who you are and not be afraid,” Judd-Sombrio said. “Pride is a safe space for us to really express who we are.”

And the participants did indeed express themselves, despite a short-lived protest by a religious group that had signs that included: “Fear God” and “Repent or Perish.”

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Gay right supporters and advocates in rainbow colors and decorated in an assortment of glitter and costumes also flooded downtown Hilo to begin the festival celebration with this yearʻs theme: “Fabulous Free Future.”

Hilo resident Kale Lehman said he’s been to more than 20 pride events around the United States and was not surprised by the protest group.

Pride protestors and activists stand off June 24 during the 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival in downtown Hilo. (Photo by Megan Moseley/Big Island Now).

“As we all know, it’s always going to be around. They have their rights to their opinion and free speech so it doesn’t bother me,” he said. “They never ruin the day. Pride always continues and you go on about your business. And, love always prevails.”

With a new parade route this year, attendees gathered at the staging area south of Mo‘oheau Bandstand and the surrounding park while pride supporters showed off colorful rainbow flags and signs that said “Love is Love” as they traveled along Kamehameha Avenue before turning onto Haili Street. Marchers then headed south on Kino‘ole Street before turning again at Ponahawai Street to make their way back to the bayfront.

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Following the parade, many gathered at the Mo‘oheau Bandstand to show off their fun outfits and visit a number of food vendors and stands while music and shows carried on in the background.

Fred Kamperman and Jozef Bosman showed off their quite extravagant, brightly-colored hats that they hand made by putting a straw wreath around a hard hat and using flowers from their garden. The entire project took about two hours to make, they said.

Fred Kamperman is pictured June 24 in downtown in Hilo during the 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival. (Photo by Megan Moseley/Big Island Now)

“We just got creative and we love gardening and said, ‘Why not?'” Kamperman said. “It has hibiscus, song of India, tea and anthuriums…”

While people were sharing stories about their outfits and taking pictures, others were talking about the reason they attended the parade and festival.

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Patricia Erbschloe, of Hilo, came out to be supportive her daughter, who is gay, and others in that community.

“You know that’s the point – God made all of us,” she said. “And he made it in his form.”

This year’s theme of “Fabulous Free Future” was crafted to shed light on several issues currently affecting the community throughout the United States, specifically anti-drag queen laws, anti-transgender health care laws and book banning in schools and public libraries.

Pride weekend had a plethora of events islandwide, including drag shows and pride brunches. The celebration culminated with the festival that included food vendors, a Pride Picnic Drag Stage, music by 14 Daze and The Puna Men’s Chorus, as well as performances by the Hilo Community Players, Puna Taiko and the singers of the Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre.

  • Dozens of residents and onlookers gathered downtown in Hilo, Hawai’i on June 24 for the 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now).
  • Dozens of residents and onlookers gathered downtown in Hilo, Hawai’i on June 24 for the 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now).
  • Dozens of residents and onlookers gathered downtown in Hilo, Hawai’i on June 24 for the 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now).
  • Dozens of residents and onlookers gathered downtown in Hilo, Hawai’i on June 24 for the 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now).
  • Dozens of residents and onlookers gathered downtown in Hilo, Hawai’i on June 24 for the 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now).
  • Dozens of residents and onlookers gathered downtown in Hilo, Hawai’i on June 24 for the 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now).
  • Participants walk in downtown Hilo, Hawai’i on June 24 for the 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now).
  • Pride protestors and activists standoff during the 2023 Pride Parade and Festival in downtown Hilo on June 24. (Big Island Now/Megan Moseley).
  • Dozens of residents and onlookers gathered downtown in Hilo, Hawai’i on June 24 for the 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now).
  • Pride protestors and their signs are featured here during the 2023 Pride Parade and Festival in downtown Hilo on June 24. (Big Island Now/Megan Moseley).

The family-friendly festival was open to all ages and included plenty of food vendors, keiki activities, community resources and local merchants.

Megan Moseley
Megan Moseley is a full-time journalist for Pacific Media Group. Her experience ranges from long and short-form reporting to print, digital, radio and television news coverage. In Hawaiʻi, she's worked for local media outlets and has covered a wide range of topics including local and state politics, environmental affairs, Native Hawaiian issues, travel, tourism and education. She covers the West for Restaurant Hospitality.

She's a 2010 graduate of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Magazine Journalism and specializations in Geology and History. She's currently working on her master's degree from New York University and Ohio University and is focused on conflict resolution and peace practices in indigenous cultures in the Pacific.
Megan can be reached at megan.moseley@pmghawaii.com.
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