News Summary
The Vincent Rutherford Equality March took place in downtown Huntsville, celebrating Pride in North Alabama. Organized entirely by local volunteers, the event featured over 50 groups participating in the vibrant celebration. Following the march, a family-friendly social featuring vendors and live performances was held, honoring the legacy of Vincent Rutherford, a key figure in Huntsville’s Pride movement. The event underscores the community’s commitment to inclusivity and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community amidst ongoing political tensions.
Huntsville Celebrates Pride with Vincent Rutherford Equality March
The annual Vincent Rutherford Equality March took place today at 11:00 a.m. in downtown Huntsville, bringing together community members to celebrate Pride in North Alabama. The event is organized by the Community Pride Alliance and honors Vincent Rutherford, a key figure in the Huntsville Pride movement and a founder of its festivals.
This year’s march, held on June 29, 2025, is notable for its grassroots nature, as it is entirely organized by local volunteers without any corporate sponsorship. This approach distinguishes it from many Pride events across the nation, aligning with the community’s commitment to inclusivity and authenticity.
Following the march, the Cedaria Rion Pridefest Social was held at Butler Green at Campus 805, featuring a variety of vendors, community groups, live music, performers, food trucks, dancing, and other activities. The event was designed to be family-friendly and free for all attendees.
In previous years, the Tennessee Valley Rocket City Pride hosted this march every June since 2018. However, this year marks a transition as new management takes the reins while retaining the original event title.
Organizational Efforts
Laura Uselton of the Community Pride Alliance played a crucial role in applying for the parade permits with the City of Huntsville back in April 2025. Concerns had risen regarding the potential absence of a Pride parade this year due to the inactivity of the previous organizing group. The prior leaders faced backlash for their inclusive approach in 2024 when they permitted the participation of Log Cabin Republicans, which caused some discord in the community.
Uselton aims to bring a fresh perspective to the event, prioritizing inclusivity for all individuals in Huntsville and North Alabama. She has particularly emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for the trans community, which has faced significant challenges and political tensions recently.
Legacy of Vincent Rutherford
Vincent Rutherford was instrumental in establishing the first Gay Pride March in Huntsville back in 2007 and dedicated his efforts to advocating for LGBTQ+ equality until his passing in 2017. Uselton is leveraging the skills and leadership principles she learned from Rutherford more than a decade ago to guide the planning and execution of the 2025 march.
March Features
This year’s parade featured over 50 groups and individuals, showcasing a diverse range of participants including a DJ, a karaoke float, and a trans activist group in striking stormtrooper cosplay. The event highlighted a vibrant celebration of diversity, unity, and community spirit.
Local businesses have also shown their support for the event. Notable sponsors such as Yellowhammer Brewing Company and Lipz Lounge contributed to the festivities, emphasizing the importance of local involvement in celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Importance of Visibility
Attendees expressed that events like the Vincent Rutherford Equality March are essential for visibility and unity, especially amid ongoing political tensions that affect the LGBTQ+ community. The march is not just a celebration of pride but a reaffirmation of community solidarity and support for all individuals, regardless of their identity.
Through this year’s march, the Community Pride Alliance and the participants aim to honor the spirit of Vincent Rutherford, ensuring his legacy of inclusivity continues to shape the landscape of Pride celebrations in Huntsville and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Rocket City Now: Vincent Rutherford Equality March
- Item Online: NYC, San Francisco, and Other US Cities Cap LGBTQ Pride Month
- Hville Blast: How to Celebrate Pride Month in Huntsville
- Rocket City Now: Huntsville Pride Dodges Raindrops
- Rocket City Now: Pride Month Events North Alabama 2025
- Wikipedia: Pride Parade
- Google Search: Pride Month 2025
- Google Scholar: LGBTQ Pride Month
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBTQ Rights
- Google News: LGBTQ Events 2025
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
