Seattle Pride events to have extra security and honor Orlando victims

SEATTLE — The Seattle Pride parade is the biggest event of the year celebrating the LGBT community.

Coming two weeks after the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida this year it will have a different feel.

"I think it has to change. We just can't have a big party," said Alex Bana, who is on the board of directors for Seattle Pride.

Bana said the parade will include a moment of silence, stickers for people to wear honoring the Orlando victims, and ways to offer them both condolences and donations.

More Seattle police will be on hand this year.

Parade organizers are also hiring private security, planning two guards on every block.

New barricades will keep people without credentials from crossing the parade route

"By barricading more of the parade we're essentially creating more safe zones that can be patrolled more easily," Bana said.

Pride weekend will include a street festival on Capitol Hill and PrideFest at Seattle Center.

Egan Orion of PrideFest says there could be an especially big turnout.

"I feel a community that's very connected very strong and wants to counter this with all their might. I think there's an opportunity to come together this Pride and show the world what our message was all about and that's love," Orion said.

Cox Media Group