Broken Arrow hosted its second-ever Pride festival Saturday afternoon.
Organizers said 1,200 people came through the gates, which was 200 more than they expected.
The celebration of the LGBTQ+ community came amid threats and crackdowns across the State of Oklahoma.
For a celebration, the second-annual Pride Fest in Broken Arrow had a certain air of nervousness.
“There’s always a concern when you have anything going on within the LGBTQ+ community, there are always going to be people who don’t agree with who we are.” said Jenn Teehee, lead organizer.
“We do expect there to be pushback, we expect people to want to make it harder to be who we are, but in the face of that, we’re still just going to keep pushing and they can keep trying.” said Teehee.
The concern is especially present in the current political climate.
“The trans and drag communities across the United States of America are currently under attack,” said Anita Richards, drag performer.
Last years Pride Fest featured a 10-person drag show which stretched on for hours.
“This year, it was in question because they did propose the ban on drag in public places,” said Richards.
“We do have drag queens that will be here today doing a panel, and there will be some performances, I’ve heard.”
When performer Mis Domeaner took the metaphorical stage within the grassy park, the performance lasted less than five minutes, but a lot has changed compared to last year.
“I felt comfortable walking outside in drag,” said Mis Domeaner. “I don’t feel comfortable anymore.”
“No one that we know has ever, ever tried to subject children to anything, We’re entertainers. We’re here to entertain you.” said Richards.
Organizers even had difficulty finding sponsors this year.
“Locally, a lot of it is that people don’t want to align themselves with the LGBTQ+ community,” said Teehee.
“Broken Arrow has not been known for being an inclusive city in the past, but we’re here to show that it is, and that people are welcome here.”
There’s also the ever-present threat of protests.
“This year, we have not had anybody come out,” said Teehee. “We don’t have anybody saying anything yet, fingers crossed it’ll be a quiet day!”
One protestor, driving a lifted pickup truck adorned with flags supporting Donald Trump, did appear, but they drove by hours before the festival even began and promptly left.
“We upped our security, we tripled our budget and our security is much larger this year.” said Teehee.
Pride Fest hired 13 security guards, a very large number for an event of its size.
It also required wristbands and bag checks for entry.
Despite the security concerns, Teehee said that Pride is for everyone, according to the performers, so is drag.
“I think it’s hugely important for people to see that it’s not just gay men that do drag,” said Mis Domeaner.
Believe it or not, this year’s Queen of Tulsa Pride, Karma Eclectic, isn’t just one of the youngest winners.
“I am also the first heterosexual, but I’m a fierce ally, and that will never change, and I am going to work to keep this community safe.” said Electric.