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Going to KC's PrideFest? Here's how organizers plan to secure the celebration
If you see police at Kansas City's PrideFest, they were asked to be there.
Law enforcement officers will provide security for the weekend of festivities celebrating the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, according to Kansas City police officials.
Police spokesperson Capt. Jake Becchina told The Star in an email that KCPD will have dozens of officers 'along the route and at point security locations.' He added that the department has been involved with the festival since Police Chief Stacey Graves took office in December 2022.
'We also have many additional technological resources that we will employ to best ensure the safety of all involved,' Becchina said.
PrideFest draws approximately 22,000 people to its Saturday parade and weekend celebration at Frank A. Theis Park. Kansas City police will also have a float in Saturday's parade.
The Kansas City PRIDE Community Alliance, a nonprofit that puts on the events, is also celebrating 50 years of advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities this year.
The celebration comes at a time when the queer community has been targeted with anti-DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and executive orders from President Donald Trump and his administration. Organizers said they lost $200,000 in corporate sponsorship because of those efforts.
When asked about security measures, organizers sent a statement to The Star saying they are focused on the celebration instead of hate and fear.
'We understand that questions about safety are top of mind for many, and we want to be clear: Pride has always been about showing up with courage, joy, and love—especially in the face of adversity,' the statement read.
'Rather than focusing on fear, we're focusing on what makes us powerful: community, connection, and celebration. PrideFest 2025 is packed with incredible entertainment, diverse vendors, and family-friendly activities. From our thoughtfully designed layout to our expanded accessibility and wellness resources, every aspect of this event has been built with care, intention, and the well-being of our community in mind.'
PrideFest features booths for LGBTQ-friendly nonprofits and businesses. It also has musical and drag performances.
Friday was the opening night of jubilee. Saturday's highlight will be the parade that begins at Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard. And Sunday is billed as Family and Community Day.
The organizers say they have chosen joyful resistance as their top priority and encourage others to do the same.
'We are deeply grateful for the volunteers, partners, and neighbors who help make PrideFest a place where people feel affirmed and energized,' they said. 'Their support reminds us that Pride isn't just an event — it's a reflection of our collective power.'
Previous reporting from The Star's Eric Adler contributed to this article.
