Out and Proud

The annual Gay Pride parade was in Oxford on Saturday, May 3, despite Ole Miss pulling its support as a result of MS lawmakers passing a measure to ban diversity, equity and inclusion policies at Mississippi schools, community colleges and universities. The legislation, House Bill 1193, passed in the House and Senate in April, falling in line with Trump’s executive orders to ban DEI policies within the federal government. The bill, on top of banning DEI policies and teachings, also seeks to establish internal reporting mechanisms and legal recourses to prevent any DEI activity.

Regardless, the Wise Women of Oxford showed up anyway—out and proud as LGBTQ+ folks or as supporters and allies of our fellow humans who deserve equal rights and representation, just like everyone else. The parade started at the Ford Center, then proceed around the Square, then went through the parking lot of Circle and Square and finished back at Ford. There was a great turnout—not only of adults and children in the parade itself, but also those on the sidelines who cheered and held up affirming signs, like “Free Mom Hugs.” Thanks to all who are working to make Oxford a more loving and inclusive place!