2019 Pride Walk in Niceville is June 15 [PHOTOS]

Sponsored by the Northwest Florida State College Gay-Straight Alliance and the Niceville High School Gay-Straight Alliance, the annual event begins at 9 a.m. at Niceville High School.

The 2019 Emerald Coast Pride Walk event in Niceville is Saturday, June 15. The Pride Walk includes speakers, a food truck, and vendors in addition to a march along John Sims Parkway. The community is invited to take part.

Sponsored by the Northwest Florida State College Gay-Straight Alliance and the Niceville High School Gay-Straight Alliance, the annual event begins at 9 a.m. at Niceville High School.

Organizers hope to create safer, more loving, more understanding spaces for all LGBTQIA people throughout the panhandle of Florida.

“We believe in using nonviolent means in our quest to end systemic oppression for LGBTQIA people now and for those who will come after us,” reads the event’s mission statement.

The 2019 event will begin with an inspirational address by Dr. David Simmons, faculty advisor of the NWFSC Gay-Straight Alliance and president of the upcoming chapter of PFLAG Niceville.

The Third Annual Pride Walk begins at about 9:10 a.m. The route follows John Sims Parkway from Niceville High School to Walmart and back. The total distance is about 1.6 miles. Participants will pose for a group photo in the NHS football stadium following the walk.

A Pride Celebration will be held in the Niceville High auditorium beginning at 10 a.m. that will include speakers, an open mic, food, drink, and dancing.

A food truck will be on site, and organizers are asking local businesses to donate food and drinks to show their support for participants of the event. There will also be Pride merchandise for sale; a portion of the proceeds will benefit the NWFSC and NHS GSAs.

For more information contact Dr. David Simmons, simmonsd@nwfsc.edu; Claudia Lebrun, President of the NWFSC Gay-Straight Alliance, claudialgbt@outlook.com; or Logan Goodson, Publicity/Marketing Director of the Emerald Coast Pride Walk Planning Committee, admin@fwbchiro.com.

Photos by Alexander Rea, Sentimental Journey.