Youth contingent adds politics to Buffalo, N.Y., Pride parade

Buffalo, N.Y. — Youth with the International Action Center carried banners and signs in the Buffalo Pride Parade on June 2. The organization raised a variety of issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.

Included was support for Pvt. B. Manning. One contingent member had protested the day before, demanding freedom for Manning at Fort Meade, Md., in advance of Manning’s trial, which began there on June 3. He carried the same sign at both events.

The IAC also demanded freedom for CeCe McDonald, a young African-American transwoman in Minnesota who was sent to prison for three years for self-defense in a violent anti-trans attack.

IAC organizers reported “a tremendous reception from the crowd” to the contingent’s demands and slogans, especially those emphasizing fighting back against anti-trans violence.

As Pride becomes increasingly watered down and depoliticized by corporate sponsorship, this contingent brought back a radical edge to Buffalo Pride.