50,000+ Turn Out for Memphis Gay Pride Parade

As many as 50,000 people turned out in downtown Memphis for the Mid-South Pride Parade. Mayor Jim Strickland was one of several local lawmakers who took part in the parade.

The Commercial Appeal said the parade featured “men strutting in tights and bra tops, loud cheers and revelers throwing Mardi Gras beads and candy.”

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“Come toward the rainbows. We’re here,” Memphis Pride Assistant Director Jennifer Murry-Rodley told television station WMC. “Virtual was great and it kept us safe but we’re ready to get out and be loud and proud.”

LocalMemphis.com reports that a number of corporate brands were either sponsors or marched in the LGBTQ parade including St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Nike, New York Life, T-Mobile, Ikea, FedEx, International Paper, AutoZone, First Tennessee Bank, Kroger, Lowes and Gold Strike Casino.

The Commercial Appeal reports that a number of officers with the Memphis Police Department rode in the parade.

Photos of the celebration are posted below.

An interesting and colorful day in Memphis full of statements,happiness and pride. @DowntownMemphis pic.twitter.com/378rbodkir

— Hunter May (@Huntermay01) June 5, 2022

Also special shout-out to this person and their ferret at the parade today #memphispride pic.twitter.com/emyjw9Fpbc

— kayt ? (@whoiskaytlin) June 4, 2022

It’s Pride month !! In celebration, the Memphis Pride Parade marched down Beale Street today @memphisnews https://t.co/VfwpfyOheh pic.twitter.com/aeIClgllg6

— Christine Tannous (@ctannous98) June 4, 2022

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH, MEMPHIS!! ??️‍? To #BringYourSoul means to show up as your authentic self at all times, and that’s what this month is all about. We celebrate all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and it all kicks off with @memphispridefest this weekend!

?: @memphis.pride pic.twitter.com/XhTH26NoFy

— We Are Memphis (@wearememphistn) June 1, 2022

#TeamMartin had a blast at Franklin Pride at Harlinsdale Park today, and also at the Mid-South Pride in Memphis. We must ensure all Tennesseans are treated equally no matter who they are or who they love. Our campaign promises to fight for ALL communities. #loveislove #pridemonth pic.twitter.com/QnJQJpGH0c

— Jason B. Martin, MD (@jasonbmartin) June 4, 2022

#MemphisPrideFest
For those of you participating in the parade, here are the details on the lineup and step-off ?? https://t.co/8cK6s8o57J

More than 2k participants rolling down #BealeStreet – 110+ parade units in front of an audience of 45K+#MidSouthPride #PrideMonth #Memphis pic.twitter.com/Vp92bdrOaC

— Mid-South Pride (@MidsouthPride) May 31, 2022