This year’s Honolulu Pride Parade was the largest ever, with over 5,000 participants. The parade was featured on the front page of The Honolulu Star-Advertiser in a story about the growth of LGBTQ+ tourism in Hawai῾i.
HHHRC staff decorated a double decker trolley and a flatbed truck. Kua‘ana Project Manager Maddalynn Sesepasara led a Zumba session with the help of volunteer Zumba instructors Amy and Dharyl to get our energy up before walking from the Magic Island parking lot to Kapi῾olani Park. Prevention Specialist Maddison Moliga served as emcee between musical numbers as we made our way down Ala Moana Boulevard and Kalākaua Avenue. At the Waikiki Shell Festival, HHHRC partnered with Project Vision Hawai‘i to provide Covid, flu and Monkeypox vaccinations. Our agency table provided LGB&T health education and connection to HHHRC programs in addition to HIV and HCV testing.
“The pride parade and festival are opportunities for the trans and LGBQ community to celebrate one another and the progress we’ve made over the years. But there’s still a lot of work to be done in reducing stigma, promoting health, and supporting those who are struggling with adequate resources,” said Health Equity Manager Kunane Dreier, who recently represented HHHRC at the US Conference on HIV/AIDS in Puerto Rico.
Mahalo to all of our staff who participated on that day. A special mahalo to HHHRC Community Relations Manager Andrew Ogata for leading HHHRC’s efforts. Andrew, who was named to this year’s “40 Under 40” list by Pacific Business News, is also a board member of the Hawai῾i LGBT Legacy Foundation and co-organized the larger parade and festival.
.png)