The Leaps Forward We Take: Out in the Park 2012

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Exhibit A: the Second Annual Out in the Park celebration this past weekend at Town Point Park. There was a time not so long ago when the very thought of thousands of gay and lesbian people, friends, and families descending on Town Point Park was, well, a nice fantasy—or perhaps a cringing nightmare, depending on your take. But Hampton Roads Pride has made it happen two years in a row, and our larger community has begun to embrace us.

No wonder. How could anyone resist such a joyful celebration? From Virginia Lyric Opera’s stirring performances to Mermaids in the Basement’s toe tapping rock to Kristine W.’s club-in-the-park rave, the stellar entertainment served as a coda to what Out in the Park is really about: the people.

Gay, straight, white, Hispanic, African American, Asian, male, female, transgender, young and old came together in an inclusive, colorful, and thrilling symphony of life. Here’s a peek at this milestone day from behind the lens of my camera. Feel the love