42 Photos That Prove Starkville Pride Persists

Starkville, Miss., is the South. The deep South. So, maybe it wasn't that surprising when last month the city council denied Pride organizers a permit for the first-ever Starkville Pride celebration. Heartbroken, the organizers filed suit, leading to reconsideration by the council, which dead-locked on the permits, 3-3. Thankfully, Mayor Lynn Spruill broke the tie, ensuring Starkville Pride could commence. Commence it did this weekend, and as you can see from the faces of participants, the fight was worth it.

Thanks to the Pride committee in Starkville for the use of these photos. Credits for the individual photographers contributing are on each image. And special thanks to Sam Calvert for bringing it all together!