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At the inaugural Whatcom Youth Pride Parade in June 2019, organizers had no idea the magnitude of people who would show up to march or line the streets of downtown Bellingham to show their support. Whatcom Youth Pride Coalition (WYPC) board member Holly Tobosa said they would have been happy if “50 or maybe 100” attended.

Remarkably, more than 1,000 people participated in the event — from the youth themselves to allies and community members. 

“Hearing the shouts of support as kids marched the parade route was absolutely electric,” Tobosa said. “LGBTQIA+ youth were able to see, firsthand, that not only were they loved and supported, but there was an entire community behind them ready to lift them up. It was also so transformative for queer adults to see a community show up to support youth. Many commented that it would have changed their lives if they had been able to participate in such an event as a young person.”

When the event returns from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 4 it will be with current county and state health guidelines in place. Virtually all of the activities will be outdoors, but mask-wearing will still be encouraged.