MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — Saturday was Boro Pride in Murfreesboro, and being able to have this event was a big win for the LGBTQ+ community in the area.
"This is Tennessee Equality Project's biggest annual event," said Executive Director of the Tennessee Equality Project, Chris Sanders.
But the event almost didn't happen. In a letter to organizers, City Manager Craig Tindall said last year's event was far from family friendly.
"It was really painful because we've spent a lot of years even before pride working with the community in Rutherford County," said Sanders.
The city of Murfreesboro did not want to issue the permit for organizers to throw Boro Pride this year, but a federal judge signed an order last week to change that.
The ACLU and two individuals filed a lawsuit against the city for enacting a policy not to allow the Tennessee Equality Project to obtain a permit for events.
A federal judge last Friday signed an order that blocks enforcement of what is being called the anti-LGBTQ+ ordinance — allowing the festival to go on.
The festival first started in 2016, so this is the 7th annual Boro Pride.
Crowds gathered at a new location this year, the Miller Coliseum, where they enjoyed food trucks, vendors, live music and even a dog costume contest.
"We are so fortunate that this space was available, because it's still in Murfreesboro, it is still accessible to lots of people and it has been a perfect venue for us," said Sanders.
Admission was free and Sanders said they're already planning for next year.
"It is our job to come together as a community and affirm who we are and that we are good and valuable members of this community and that's what we're doing today," he said.
