Ortonville, a small village just outside of Detroit, has found itself under national scrutiny after its Village Council voted down a permit for an LGBTQ+ pride festival for the second time. The council's recent 4-2 decision against the third annual Abigail's Pride Festival, scheduled for June 1, has raised concerns and prompted allegations of homophobia, as Hoodline reported.
Amid a packed village council meeting, where public support for the festival was evident, the council cited traffic and potential disruptions to local businesses as the main reasons for their denial. "We've gotten a lot of support since it was denied," Abigail Rowe, founder and president of Abigail's Pride and a senior at Brandon High School, told CBS Detroit. She added that, despite the setback, "Abigail's Pride will happen this year, 100%."
Trustees who opposed the permit have faced pushback for their stance. Trustee Tony Randazzo, who motioned to approve a revised permit for the event, was in the minority along with Trustee Linda Brooks. Meanwhile, Village President Kenneth Quisenberry, President Pro-Tem Melanie Nivelt, and Trustees Kay Green and Larry Hayden opposed it, with some members citing personal harassment on social media as part of their rationale, according to The Oakland Press.
Amid the controversy, the local business community appears divided. At the council meeting, one commenter highlighted an economic boost during the festival, claiming his sales increased by 466% during last year's event. However, other voices in the community have expressed concern about being put in a difficult position when asked to take a public stand on the festival. Councilmember Nivelt stated, "There were alternatives given, and that we weren't turning this down because of the event," as per CBS Detroit's coverage.
Moving forward, Rowe has declared that the event will be relocated outside of downtown Ortonville and an announcement regarding a new location is expected later in the week. The Abigail's Pride festival has been heralded as not just a celebration, but a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ youth in the area, signifying an oasis for those seeking inclusivity within a world often riddled with barriers.
