By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Knoxville Pridefest, a celebration of gay and lesbian culture, kicked off Saturday with a parade down Gay Street.
6 News was the first to report that Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero was taking part in the parade. She is the first Knoxville mayor to do so.
This year's parade was double the size it was last year.
"This is the largest parade Knoxville has ever had since we reinstated the parade four years ago," said Parade Director Mark Janes.
Parade organizers said the addition of Mayor Rogero helped attract even more people this year's event. They estimate up to 5,000 people gathered to watch the parade.
"Part of my campaign message, my role as mayor is to be inclusive of the community," said Mayor Rogero. "We just want to celebrate all the good things that are happening in Knoxville."
The addition of the mayor was not the only change. Martha Boggs, the owner of the Bistro at the Bijou, was the first-ever grand marshal. Also the parade had its first military contingent to lead the parade, made possible with the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". Bleu Copas was discharged out of the Army after being outed under that policy.
"I think, finally, this is a moment where everyone in the service finally has an opportunity to be who they are and not have to worry about losing my job like I did," said Copas.
The parade had more than 40 groups participating, which included several churches, and Gay-Straight Alliance groups from local high schools.
The mayor's choice to participate in this year's parade did cause a little controversy, but she is not worried how it will affect her political career.
"I think as mayor you have to make the best decisions you can, not worry about re-election," said Mayor Rogero. "I always felt like that if you lose because you are inclusive, that is just a risk you take."
Mayor Rogero was not the only politician in this year's parade. Brian Stevens, who is running for state senator in 2014, also participated in Saturday's parade.
Those in the LGBT community 6 News spoke with said they still feel there are major hurdles to tackle until they are fully accepted in East Tennessee.
"We just want to celebrate all the good things that are happening in Knoxville," said Mayor Madeline Rogero.
An estimated 5,000 people gathered to watch the parade.
