Richmond's first Pride March took place in 1979 - the 10th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion. Pride events in Richmond have always been produced by dedicated volunteers. For years in the 1990s and into the new century, the Richmond Pride Coalition took the lead. In 2006, Gay Pride Virginia reinvigorated the festival, and gave it a statewide focus. Today, GPV has been restructured as VAPride. The 2010 festival will be held September 25, 2010.

Enjoy these photos of Pride events through the years.

1998

Pride events in 1998 included a march through the Carytown shopping district in Richmond. At that time, Carytown was home to the majority of Richmond's LGBT clubs. Today, Babe's of Carytown continues to anchor the neighborhood. Credit - Richmond Pride Coalition.

Stepping out

2003

For several years in the early 2000s, the Richmond Pride Festival was held at Festival Park downtown. The 2003 festival was held days after Hurricane Isabell, when much of the city was without power, and fallen trees still littered the festival area. We were Proud to be strong! Credit - JS.

2004

Back at Festival Park. After Isabell's participation in the 2003 festival, 2004 saw record crowds showing their Pride. Credit - JS.