Outfest; the largest national coming out event in the world!
On Sunday October 13th 2013 Philadelphia’s very own Gayborhood hosted their largest Outfest yet. This day of celebration-included vendors, community groups flee markets, amusements and multiple dance areas.
Philadelphia’s Gayborhood is located in the heart of Center City. The neighborhood is a great convenience to get to and easily accessible by use of both Philadelphia and New Jersey public transportation, just four blocks from City Hall.
There was an atmosphere of equality in the air. People could be seen singing, dancing and celebrating down every street in the three-block radius. Stages were set up for local drag performers as well as singers and dance teams.
“It was like a big gay block party and it was a lots of fun to see how the city of Philadelphia supports a festival like this for the LGBT community ,“ Outfest attendee Ben Jack said.
Restaurants, bars and other establishments located in the Gayborhood had their doors open to the public to enjoy their specials and sales.
“I had a wonderful time catching up with friends and celebrating acceptance in my favorite Philadelphia neighborhood,” attendee Jennifer Kern said.
People of all races, sexuality and sexual preference could be seen co-celebrating together.
“For being my first Outfest it was great to see everyone come together for the same cause: equality. Especially in this day and age when there is such a huge movement towards equal rights. To see many people: gay, straight, black, white, purple, etc., all there in celebrating of coming together. I got to meet up with a lot of friends and meet even more new friends. It was a long day but definitely worth the social aspect as well as the meaning behind it. One day I hope Outfest is more than a neighborhood celebration, but rather a city wide one. It would be great to have Philadelphia be a pillar in the equal rights movement as it has in the past.” attendee Kevin Laing said.
Outfest was booming with all colors of the rainbow and the festival was a true gathering of equality. “Since I was the DJ for Icandy during the whole Outfest celebration, I was only able to see a small portion of this FABULOUS event,” equality activist Sal Aurelio said. “What I did see was a large crowd of individuals dancing and singing with plenty of smiles on their faces. The weather was amazing and so was the turn out. OUTFEST 2013 scores a 10 this year in my books!”
“The Gayborhood is a place where everyone judges each other but no one cares, it is a place where everyone can be who or what they want to be” Cara Castellani, a graduate of Cabrini College attendee, said.
