By Glen Barber | The Denver Post
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Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDENVER, CO - MAY 19: Staza Stone, left and Katie Mesmerie, right, have fun as they take part in the annual Denver PrideFest parade along Colfax avenue on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDENVER, CO - MAY 19: Sofia Solan, middle with hat, joins her co-workers from One Colorado as they march down Colfax Avenue as they take part in the annual Denver PrideFest parade on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and different organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDENVER, CO - MAY 19: Ashlee Pate waves to the crowd as she marches down Colfax Avenue as they take part in the annual Denver PrideFest parade on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and different organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDENVER, CO - MAY 19: People write with chalk on a wall set up to put messages for those who lost their lives in the Orlando shootings during the annual Denver PrideFest festivities on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDENVER, CO - MAY 19: Faith leaders Reverend Dawn Duvall, middle, along with Nadeen Ibrahim, left, and Rabbi Evette Lutman, lead the crowd in a moment of silence for those that were killed in the Orlando massacre during a rally at Civic Center Park during the annual Denver PrideFest festivities on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDENVER, CO - MAY 19: Thousands of people lined the streets of Denver to take part in the annual Denver PrideFest parade along Colfax avenue on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostMark Kraft holds onto a large Rainbow flag as he marches down Colfax Avenue while taking part in the annual Denver PrideFest parade on June 19, 2016, in Denver.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDENVER, CO - MAY 19: People with a group called Bad Astronuats march down Colfax Avenue as they take part in the annual Denver PrideFest parade on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and different organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostManitou Springs-based Summit Ministries cancels California conventions over concerns about a state bill that would ban gay conversion therapy.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDENVER, CO - MAY 19: People on beautiful and extravagant floats take part in the annual Denver PrideFest parade along Colfax avenue on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDENVER, CO - MAY 19: Women with Ooh La La Presents holler to the crowd as they drive down Colfax Avenue as they take part in the annual Denver PrideFest parade on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and different organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDENVER, CO - MAY 19: People with Stonewall Democrats of Denver march down Colfax Avenue as they take part in the annual Denver PrideFest parade on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and different organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDENVER, CO - MAY 19: Hundreds of people gather to listen to local faith leaders, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and other local lawmakers speak during a rally at Civic Center Park during the annual Denver PrideFest festivities on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDENVER, CO - MAY 19: Governor John Hickenlooper, surrounded by local lawmakers, speaks before hundreds of people during a rally at Civic Center Park during the annual Denver PrideFest festivities on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostEllie Ozbayrak, 4, sports rainbow wings at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostThomas Conley, left, and Alvaro Estrada enjoys a beer after the PrideFest 5K at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostThousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostBrian Morgans proudly displays rainbow colors at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostVisitors sign messages on an 8-by-8-by-10 foot black box serving as a memorial for the 49 killed early Sunday at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla. Thousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostNick Gizzardo displays his hula hoop skills to the beat of the music at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostMembers of law enforcement use binoculars to view the main stage area at the park from the roof of the McNichols Civic Center Building. Thousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostDenver student Obi Oberdier, left, holds a prop for Christy Lane, original founder of Denver's PrideFest before Lane took the stage for Denver's got Talent at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 17, 2016. Lane was the first to get a permit for PrideFest forty years ago. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostNatalee Accornero of Colorado Springs joins in with other dancers on the lawn at the park. Thousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostSouvenir vendor Jim Maser wipes sweat from the back of his head during the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver PostIris Sanchez, second from left, Holly Janson, center, and Nikki Smith, right, hold up signs advertising free hugs for all. Thousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostDancing to the DJ's beat at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostMorgan Lewis joins in with the dance crowd at the Dance World stage. Thousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostMembers of law enforcement use binoculars to view the main stage area at the park from the roof of the McNichols Civic Center Building. Thousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostThousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA woman sports a rainbow painted hand at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostPrideFest goers sign a tribute wall to the Orlando shooting victims at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016 (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostChristy Lane, original founder of Denver's PrideFest awaits her entrance for Denver's got Talent at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 17, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA woman signs a tribute wall to the Orlando shooting victims at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostChristy Lane, center, original founder of Denver's PrideFest, takes the stage for Denver's got Talent at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 17, 2016. Lane was the first to get a permit for PrideFest forty years ago. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostMicheal Ross waits backstage with his dog ÒLolaÓ a french bull dog dressed up for the Dogs in Drag contest at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA dancer entertains a crowd at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostLarry Kraft, right, dances to the music at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostDancing to the DJ's beat at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostDancing to the DJ's beats at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostFestival goers enjoy the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA man uses a spray bottle to cool off at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostFolks enjoy the entertainment at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostFolks sign a tribute wall honoring the Orlando shooting victims at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
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DENVER, CO - MAY 19: Staza Stone, left and Katie Mesmerie, right, have fun as they take part in the annual Denver PrideFest parade along Colfax avenue on June 19, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Over 170 floats and organizations took part in this year's parade that started at Cheesman Park and made it's way to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
ExpandThousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Cheesman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park.












































