BRADENTON (SNN TV) – More than 400 people gather to celebrate Manatee Pride.
Saturday afternoon, food trucks and vendors lined the Bradenton Riverwalk and celebrated with drag and song performances.
A drag performer who read “The Boy with the Rainbow Heart” said drag queen book readings teach kids love and acceptance and give them tools to deal with sadness, anger, or fear.
The Herald-Tribune reports several studies have shown people in the LGBTQ+ community are far more likely to be victims of violence compared to straight people.
One of the hosts of the event, Tyler Butler, said several groups, including the Proud Boys, tried to get Manatee Pride shut down.
One of the laws in contention is Governor Ron DeSantis‘ Parental Rights in Education Act, dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” by critics, which prohibits discussion of sexual orientation in Florida K through 3 K-3 classrooms, or when deemed not age-appropriate beyond 3rd grade.
