No matter the crime rates, no matter the bankruptcy, some people still profess their pride for Stockton. 
    On Saturday, Aug. 25, a special group of people showed something far more than just "Stockton" pride. Nicholas Hatten, a Stagg graduate and now executive director of the San Joaquin Pride Center, organized the first annual pride festival in Stockton for all lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transsexuals. 
    Smiles, laughter, energetic music, and the amusing crowd filled Oak Grove Regional Park. "I’m blown away by the turnout," said Hatten. "Really pleased." 
    He thought it was time for the community to celebrate the diversity of cultures and people, and to acknowledge that the gay, lesbian community needed respect, tolerance, and equality. 
    He also wanted people "hiding in the closet" to embrace who they are and understand that "it’s okay, they’re not alone." As happy as Hatten was with the turnout, the rest of the community was thrilled. 
    Sophomore Damajgion Burnett, who attended Stockton Pride, said he felt very comfortable and had a great time. At first, he was timid, thinking it wasn’t going to be "as good as San Francisco" but he was wrong. 
    "Everyone was nice," Burnett said. "The Drag Fest was my favorite. They know how to dance!" 
    "It felt better than Disneyland as a little kid," said junior Dallas Steadman. He had a fantastic time volunteering for the Marriage Booth. 
    The festival, he said, "brought the pride out of people." Steadman isn’t bothered by what people think about his sexuality. He says everyone is the same, whether they’re gay, lesbian, bi, or transsexual. 
    "I’d definitely go to the next Stockton Pride." The passion in his voice agreed. 
    Senior Nick Porceo, who is straight, gives his support to the LGBT community. Porceo might not feel or understand the emotions that a stressed gay or lesbian is going through, but he feels their passion and fight, and that’s what makes it easy for him to support them. 
    "I came here to try something new and just have fun," said Porceo. "It’s exotic, it was just the whole vibe." Stockton Pride would be the first gay festival that he ever attended. "It showed a lot of unity, and that they had nothing to worry about."
    He recently moved to Stockton, from Massachusetts, where he happened to have many gay friends. He said he never felt awkward around gay people. 
    "We need to worry about more important things than gay marriage, like the economy." Porceo said, strongly. He connects a Native American quote to his belief: "Don’t waste your hate, rather gather and create."