Pride Parade 2024: Pride Has No Borders

This past Saturday, June 12th Borderland Pride held their Pride March that was one of the few, if not only Pride March that crosses an international border. As Douglas Ludson, one of the Co-Chairs and Founders of Borderland Pride, tells us about the event that began in International Falls and crossed over to Fort Frances.

Douglas then tells about what was in store for the attendees at Smokey Bear Park.

I then asked him a little more about the border-crossing aspect of the march, as well as the significance of it being the only Pride March that does so.

There was also a band playing at the event which I had to ask about.

Douglas Ludson then shares the route that the march had followed.

The Pride March had a great turnout with many different people showing up to be apart of the festivities.

They were each asked about what they believed was the significance of the march crossing an international border.

I then asked what they thought was the most important part of having a Pride event here in the Falls specifically.

Speaking of allies of the LGBTQ+ Community, here are a couple of those allies.

So what do they think is the importance of a Pride event here in International Falls?

They also share some encouragements for those who may have been on the fence about going.

I was also able to talk to a former president of the Rotary Club, which was an organization that worked alongside Borderland Pride to put on this event.

Bob Degross was then asked what he believes is the best part of a Pride March that crosses the Border.

He also talks of the importance for a town in this part of the state to have a Pride event.

Bob also shares his hopes for future Pride Marches here in borderland.

A couple people who especially caught my attention were these two ladies.

This is Lisa and Carol who were at the Pride March to give out “Mama Bear Hugs” to the attendees.

I had asked them about the Pride March and its significance of being the only one to cross the border.

They were then asked about the “Mama Bear” signs.

It makes sense too that these two would want to provide that support as they tell about what they do for a living.

The 2024 Borderland Pride March was an overall success that ended with a BBQ lunch in Fort Frances, and what better way to end an event.