By Carol Motsinger




ASHEVILLE – New faces — and a lot of sunshine — showed up for Saturday’s 2nd annual Asheville Pridefest, a celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community.

Last year, the festival was held indoors. The Western NC Community Health Services in West Asheville hosted the event this year.

Under a sunny autumn sky, attendees chatted while visiting vendors and informational booths.

Advertisement“Because it’s our second year, harder-hitters like the Human Rights Campaign are here,” said Kali Brewer, producer and organizer of the event.

Another addition: the event ended with couple commitment ceremonies at the health services’ chapel.

But the event’s mission has not changed.

“We are celebrating the community,” said Brewer.

Russ Barnes, the volunteer coordinator, said the event “is a good way to advertise our cause: our fight for equality.”

International flavor

Brewer said the performance schedule, with acts like the Mexican Folkloric Ballet of Asheville, has more of an “international flair” this year.

The booths featured items “that are related to gay and lesbian pride,” said Barnes, such as T-shirts and jewelry. Information booths from nonprofit groups like Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays related to the political and social concerns of the community.

Elke Kennedy, founder of Sean’s Last Wish, came from Greenville, S.C., to speak about the foundation’s mission, which includes raising hate crime awareness.

“It may be small, but it’s awesome this is being done,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy’s son Sean was killed in May because he was gay, she said.

“I plan on being here next year,” she said.

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