Rainbow flags are a common sight in Shepherdstown and the town has hosted many Pride-themed events over the years.
The town likes parades too, so it was no surprise to see hundreds of people lining German Street on Sunday evening to cheer on the two dozen groups marching down the street to kick off Pride Month. What was surprising to many was that this was the first official Pride parade in Shepherdstown. Mayor James Gatz issued a statement before the event, noting the welcoming history of Shepherdstown and describing the parade as “a moment of visibility, joy, and belonging for our LGBTQ residents, their families, and allies.”
Joan Moossy, the event organizer, said afterward “I hope everyone took away a sense of joy and celebration that’s inclusive of everyone in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, the United States, and the whole world. And I hope that they are inspired to take their own action to make this a better world.”
When Moossy first approached the Town Council last year about getting a permit for the parade, she was very clear that she hoped that her involvement would inspire others to participate and carry the event forward into future years. She remarked after the parade that the turnout and the community response far exceeded what she imagined could happen — and she expects it to continue and grow in the future.
