ORLANDO, Fla. — The Cousins family is familiar with the idea of inclusivity; Mom, Dad, and four kids proudly donned t-shirts displaying the word ‘ally.’ They support the LGBTQ+ community and will show that at this year’s ‘Come Out With Pride’ parade. With activities geared toward families and children, Jen Cousins feels it’s a great year for the entire family to go together for the first time.
What You Need To Know
- The 2021 ‘Come Out With Pride’ parade kicks-off Saturday at 4 p.m.
- There are even more inclusive festival events this year for the whole family
- One ally family is making this year their first time attending together
Jen and Matt Cousins say the message to their kids, ranging from five to 13 in age, is that “love is love.”
In years past, Jen has volunteered for the festival. Ahead of the big parade weekend, she took the family to the Come Out With Pride Drag Race.
It’s sort of a tradition for her to attend the pride events, she explains, “I’ve been going to the Pride parade since I was a teenager.”
Now, a new one begins. The children will be able to enjoy the kid zone, Rainbow Ranch.
“Seeing people of all different lifestyles and getting to experience that firsthand is important. It is really important for us to get along with the kids,” Matt Cousins said.
“It’s important for them to also be part of that safe space as allies themselves,” Jen adds.
Saffy Cousins, 13, put it this way: “I think it’s important for us to go show support for the LGBTQ+ community because there are enough struggles they have, so being able to show our support is really important."