Nearly a week after the Orlando massacre that killed 49 people at Pulse Nightclub, tension is running high in the LGBT community. In Wilton Manors, the annual Stonewall Festival was held Saturday, celebrating gay pride.
Organizers say the parade and festival attracts anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 people. But this year, many people in the crowd said they thought twice before attending, because they didn't feel completely safe.
"I was scared to come her," said Mike Ybarra, who attends every year, "But I felt that I couldn't be afraid. I had to actually come out."
"There were a lot of people that told me not to come," said Declan Knott, "But it's just like I would rather put myself in harm's way and be proud of who I am and who I love and everything than be in hiding."
For added security, the Wilton Manors Police Department brought in extra help from police departments and sheriff's offices all across South Florida. Officers say the festival was completely covered with law enforcement officials in uniform and undercover.
Still, many people at the festival said with looming concerns of being attacked, standing together in one place took bravery.
"I just refuse to be terrorized," Ybarra said. "Even if there's terror, I'm just not going to be one of those people. So I chose to overcome it."
