27 photos from Central Alabama Pride 2025 that prove queer joy is thriving in the south

Queer joy and fights for liberation are more important now than ever, which is why Central Alabama celebrated Pride Month in a hug way, setting an example for what Southern Pride should really look like.

“In a state where being out still comes with risk, our parade offered something bigger than just celebration, it was a beacon of hope,” said Josh Coleman, president of Central Alabama Pride. “For one night, Birmingham lit the way for the rest of Alabama. We showed what it looks like when a community stands together, proud and unafraid. That kind of visibility matters. It sticks with you. It tells LGBTQ+ folks watching from a small town in Alabama that they’re not alone, that there is a community here for you. And that’s what makes it all worth it.”

The 47th anniversary of Central Alabama Pride kicked off with a drag brunch headlined by Drag Race alums Miz Cracker and The Widow Von’Du. The celebrations continued with a Pride Parade celebrating Alabama’s LGBTQ+ pride, visibility, and resilience, and the annual PrideFest that also featured a fab Drag Race lineup with Sapphira Cristal, Darienne Lake, India Ferrah, DeJa Skye, and The Widow Von’Du, again.

Keep scrolling for a peek at what LGBTQ+ pride looks like in the South!

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