Toledo Pride Festival takes over Promenade Park - Cincinnati News, FOX19-WXIX TV

The 4th annual Toledo Pride Festival was held Saturday in Promenade Park.

Its purpose is to promote unity and acceptance of the local lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community.

The event kicked off with a parade.

Organizers of this day of pride say Toledoans are more accepting today of the LGBT community than they were 15 years ago.

"I think it's just important for us to be part of the community. Make sure Toledo knows we support Toledo and Toledo's been supporting the heck out of us," said Lexi Staples of the Toledo Pride Festival.

Folks come to have fun but gay issues are also discussed.

Ohio doesn't recognize gay marriage.

Laura and Cathy Ritter tied the knot last year in New York State and hope Ohio legalizes gay marriage too.

"Our love isn't any different than anybody else. I think it should be legalized," said Laura.

"I wanted it because we are older and I just wanted some validation," said Cathy.

Another topic at the festival is unemployment and housing discrimination against gays.

The group "Equality Ohio" is here pushing legislation to end it.

"We have a lot of stories about people being harassed on the job, being denied housing, being fired from a job, so it's really an important fight," said Tami Lunan of Equality Ohio.

There was no fighting at this festival.

This is all about celebrating one's pride and pride in a city they say is accepting of all.

Mobile users, click on the "Video" button in the app to watch this story. Download our app here.

Copyright 2013 Toledo News Now. All rights reserved.