Last Saturday, Mountain View City hosted its second annual Together in Pride event. The event took place in Civic Center Plaza and featured a variety of performances by LGBTQ+ artists. The event also featured community booths offering access to games and LGBTQ+ resources.

Performances included live music, community celebrations of pride and cultural expression, according to the City of Mountain View website.

“Whether you are coming with friends or family, Together in Pride is a chance to show support, build community and enjoy one of Mountain View’s most colorful summer celebrations,” said the website.

Attendees enjoyed several booths from organizations including the City of Mountain View and Local Color SJ, a non-profit focused on creating access to art, according to their website. Pride-themed flags, pins and tote bags were some among the free paraphernalia offered by booths to attendees.

Pride-goers Alex Skurchynska, Marie Skurchynska and Kai Teter said they believed pride was important because of the safety and community it represents.

“[Pride] gives you a space where you’re able to look at other people and… see yourself in them,” Alex said. “I feel like it’s really important to see other people just like you for you to even be able to figure yourself out.”

During the event, other individuals expressed their beliefs independent of the celebration. According to Alex, a protester was preaching anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments near the plaza.

“He asked me, ‘are you okay, young lady? That [LGBTQ+] is not of God,” Alex said.

However, the group agreed that the pride event overall fostered an exciting and supportive environment that uplifted LGBTQ+ individuals.

“Every time I go to Pride, I meet a lot of really cool people, and it’s always really really fun,” Marie said. “I get to talk to other queer people and just be myself.”