Ride4Pride motorcade attracts 200 vehicles

Participants in last Saturday’s Ride4Pride motorcade that was organized by Pride Marianas Youth, including 2019 Miss Marianas Shannon Sasamoto, second from right, pose for the camera before the start of the motorcade. (Krizel Tuazon)

Over 200 vehicles and 700 members of the community took part in last Saturday’s Ride4Pride motorcade that was organized by Pride Marianas Youth.

“My heart is full with the outpouring of support from our committee leads, volunteers, and community partners,” said Pride Marianas Youth founder and president Jennifer Maratita. “Their creativity and hours spent organizing the Pride Month 2020 activities to promote and celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community, especially our youth, was a testament of hope and change for a more colorful and inclusive Marianas.”

Miss Marianas Shannon Sasamoto joined the motorcade that started in Marpi and celebrated Pride Month despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am grateful we were still able to have a celebration for the whole community to conclude Pride Month where the positivity and support we received were still very much present throughout the motorcade,” she said.

“We saw families waiting for us to pass by and we are so grateful they put in effort and time to see us with their signs and cheers. Even a simple wave gave us great encouragement and support,” Sasamoto added.

As a show of support, TanHoldings had the crosswalk in front of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, which it owns, and the Paseo de Marianas repainted in the colors of the rainbow, which has become the de facto symbol of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Social media influencer “chubbyrobbie,” who joined the Ride4Pride motorcade, said, “The convoy was very enjoyable and I had so much fun. It was amazing to see so many individuals across all ages in the convoy and on the sidewalks waving.”

As a social media influencer, chubbyrobbie creates videos that help share the message of pride through dance and just talking to family and friends when he goes live on Tiktok as well as spreading the same love through other social media platforms.

Jefferson Mateo was also proud to have taken part in the celebration. “Pride Month is to love and respect everyone! Everyone has a story, and if you respect all, then everyone will live happily and safely.

“To youth and future generations, love everyone despite their differences. Say ‘hi’ to everyone with a smile because little actions can make a person’s day. Be confident in who you are and have a good heart,” he added.