Christopher Gonzales was out at Charlotte Pride 2009, here’s a brief recap of the days events. Thank you Chris!

We were able to find parking pretty quickly around the block because all the local parking vendors lowered their prices and opened up for today’s crowd. I think we managed pretty well having paid $2.75 for a two minute walk to where the action was.

On the way down Trade Street we ran into a couple wearing “I AM A WHOSOEVER” shirts and one of them was sporting a kilt. I immediately knew we were in for a good time, I mean come on a kilt is one thing but the shirt was worded perfectly.

Since we were on one of the outskirts of the main events we passed a couple of people holding up signs saying “Without the Queens it’s just a city” and I chuckled a bit before I was able to ask them for a photo to which they happily posed for. I’m glad that was as far as we were exposed to any protestors and I was even happier to see these ones were on our side.

Looking further into where we were heading there were quite a few people lining the street, trying out new sugar free energy drinks or just plain munching on the variety of street vendor food. I liked it because it felt like walking into a fair made just for you. Elephant ears, corn dogs, piles of home-made chips covered in chili. Oh yeah I’m talking fair-like.

We went from booth to booth, person to person, as best we could and everyone was proudly supporting the LGBT community. There were stages and singers and dancers galore. People with pets, parents with children, friends, family, loved ones, you name it. I can’t think of a single person out there today that didn’t have their hearts in the right place.

Today was a pleasant if not overwhelming reminder as to why I love Charlotte, NC and why I’m proud to be me.

The following are the photos that were taken during the event as part of our live twitter coverage. http://twitter.com/mygaygo Enjoy

ChrisFGonzales’ Pride Charlotte 2009 photoset