Dozens of LGBTQ people and their allies made history on May 25 during the annual Old West Days parade. It was the first time that Jackson played host to a public display of gay pride. And it was in stark contrast to the festivities of 2018, when a Native American resident drew attention to one of the parade entries in which white actors from Bar T 5 appeared in redface.
There was no such display in this year’s parade.
Instead, the vibe was largely one of inclusion. Between fire trucks and horseback riders, people donned in glitter, rainbow attire and cowboy hats drew cheers and applause from the crowd. Andrew Munz, who is a member of the LGBTQ community and one of its most active and vocal advocates, organized the parade entry. He tells KHOL about the high school student who inspired him to submit an entry to the JH Chamber of Commerce parade. Advocate Matt Stech, who appeared alongside Munz in the parade, joins Munz in the studio.
Above: Parade participants pose near the Teton County administration building in downtown Jackson. (Ari Bean)
