Community, advocacy and pride on full display at Three Rivers Pride Festival

Pride was more than a celebration in downtown Three Rivers Saturday — it was a testament to resilience, solidarity and the ongoing fight for equality. The event brought together LGBTQIA+ individuals, allies, activists and organizations from across southwest Michigan for a day of joy, connection and, for many, a deeper sense of purpose.

Among the colorful booths and lively performances stood Jay Jones, founder of Join Advocate Defend Act, a Grand Rapids-based legal advocacy nonprofit. Jones, accompanied by her wife and daughter, spoke passionately about the work her organization does to help marginalized communities navigate the legal system — especially those unable to afford representation.

“We’re for everyone across the spectrum,” Jones said. “We help low-income individuals waive filing fees, assist in court motions and, if needed, support them through litigation. Most cases settle, but we’ll be there every step of the way.”

But her advocacy stretches beyond the courtroom. Jones has rallied at the Capitol in Lansing, urging greater civic engagement within LGBTQIA+ communities. She expressed concern over the increasingly hostile political climate facing queer communities, including efforts by federal lawmakers to roll back marriage equality.

“I’m worried this will take away the legal status of my family — my wife and our daughter,” she said. “If only a fraction of us are fighting, it’s hard to shift the whole city. And right now, with this political climate, we’re seeing people try to undo the rights we fought so hard for — like marriage equality in 2015. That would hurt families like mine.”

That sense of personal stakes echoed throughout the festival grounds. Milo Hilyard, a high school student attending the event, praised the atmosphere for its inclusivity.

“People can just be who they are without worrying about being harassed or bullied,” Hilyard said. “As long as there’s love between two people, it shouldn’t matter what gender they are.”

Evelyn Martin, a friend of Hilyard, identifies herself as an ally. While her own parents aren’t accepting of the concept of Pride, they don’t stop her from participating. And she said her friends’ acceptance inspires her to show up and stand by the LGBTQIA+ community.

“I support my friends because they deserve to be loved and accepted,” she said.

For David Greenquest of Kalamazoo, who was raised by two mothers, the day carried deep emotional meaning. He has been attending Three Rivers Pride since it began and now offers “free hugs” at festivals — a tradition inspired by a powerful encounter with a young woman who had been kicked out of her home after coming out.

“She was sobbing, and I told her, if your parents won’t stand with you at your wedding, maybe I will,” Greenquest recalled.

Reflecting on his own upbringing during a time when being gay was, in his words, “the most unforgivable thing for a teenager,” Greenquest emphasized the strength and love he has seen in LGBTQIA+ households.

“I’ve never known a gay couple who failed to give their adopted child what they need,” he said. “Baths, clean clothes, meals, a warm bed — they give everything.”

Also in attendance were Denny and Burke Sievert, a married couple who had to relocate and adjust their wedding date to ensure their union was legally recognized.

“We’ve all been fighting for something,” Burke said. “It feels like we take two steps forward and then two steps back.”

Still, the couple stood hand in hand, surrounded by a crowd that embodied hope, resistance and celebration. From drag performances to community resource booths, the Three Rivers Pride event served as a reminder: the fight continues, but so does the joy.

As Jones put it, “It’s not just about LGBTQ+ rights — it’s about everyone. We’re all connected.”

Najifa Farhat is a staff reporter with Watershed Voice.