Burlington Pride is Full of #LoveIsLove

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#LoveIsLove was all over t-shirts from owner and operator of ABC Designs, Alexandra Correa. Originally from Chicago, Alexandra has lived in Burlington so long that she says it feels more like home. ABC Designs, started in 2016, is one of the multiple groups that helped Burlington Pride get off the ground quite literally overnight.

TOP: (Left) Vinny, Caidence, Lance Swafford, Kathen Berry, & Mason Folyar. BOTTOM: (Left) Aiden Mohnike & Natalie Daigle.

After complications and worry over the response to this event, Burlington Pride was set to be cancelled. Groups like ABC Designs, Des Moines County Public Health, Starr Asylum Tattoos, and Big River Popcorn were rallied together by enthusiastic leaders like Cindy Bowen and Cody Flietner. Mr. Flietner expressed his amazement at the turnout within just the first hour: “I am beyond excited about how many people showed up. I only expected half this many people.”

Brigitte Davis from Des Moines County Public Health was at Pride with a table set up with free STD testing and information about the many services they offer. DMC Public Health is located in Burlington and has testing and education available for STDs and education about nursing and general health.

Cindy Bowen had heard about the event and planned to attend, but saw that it was cancelled due to protests against the event. Bowen knew she needed to do something and contacted Cody Flietner and as many people that she could think of to help put on this event. An event originally just some teens and parents turned into a big community event overnight.

June is Pride month, and Burlington’s pride is one of many going on all over the country. Des Moines’s and Iowa City’s Pride celebrations were earlier this month, and Cedar Rapids will happen at the beginning of next month on July 7th.