Honoring Ashley Rukes: The History of Twin Cities Pride Parade

Woman kissing another on the cheek

In 1972, the first Twin Cities Pride event was a protest march and picnic with less than 100 attendees that began in the northeast corner of Loring Park. The LGBTQ+ community was at a point in its struggle for recognition and rights. The incident served as a metaphor for their fight and resolve to be heard. A 50-person protest march on the Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis on the third anniversary of the Stonewall riots served as a catalyst for Twin Cities Pride. The LGBTQ+ movement had a turning point on this occasion, opening the door for future generations to freely express their identity and love.

WILD JOB OFFERS WITH FLEXIBILITY, GREAT PAY, AND OTHER BENEFITS.

Maybe 🙌 you can stop your job search! Paid training if needed and hiring school bus and charter drivers in Anoka, Champlin, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, and Saint Paul/Oakdale, Minnesota. The company offers competitive pay and time off during the holidays. You will work with a team of experienced professionals dedicated to providing safe and reliable transportation.

Click/tap on the above city closest to you to start! With an endorsement from MSPExcite!

LGBTQ+ people have a long history in Loring Park and the surrounding area. Many people who had experienced prejudice and persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity found refuge there. The park has come to represent acceptance and hope for the LGBTQ+ community.

A celebration in Loring Park and a multi-day block party are two additional Twin Cities Pride activities. People have the chance to unite on these occasions and celebrate their uniqueness and affection. They serve as a reminder of how far our society has come in embracing people from diverse backgrounds.

Ashley Rukes was honored during the 2023 Twin Cities LGBTQ+ Pride March, which took place on Sunday, June 25, 2023, during brunch on Hennepin Ave. People get the chance to band together and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community at this march. Additionally, it serves as a reminder that more needs to be done to guarantee that everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

 Ashley Rukes was a prominent figure in the Twin Cities LGBTQ+ community. She founded the Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride March, which is now known as the Twin Cities Pride March/Parade. She passed away in 1996 due to complications from AIDS.
We would also like to say thank you to Twin Cities Pride. The atmosphere was electric and filled with joy as people of all ages, races, and genders came together to celebrate diversity and equality. It was truly a memorable event that showcased the power of community and acceptance. (We'd Love to do more and would love to chat.)

Nibbles made it possible for @MSPExcite to produce this content. Thank you for your contribution and years of feeding Pride. HelloNibbles.com | @HelloNibbles