As the Stockton Pride Festival celebrated 15 years on Saturday, Cymone Reyes reflected that community and visibility were at the core of the day’s events.

“I think it’s important to have Pride, whether you have 5,000 people or two people that attend, right?” Said Reyes, the founder and chief executive officer of Central Valley Gender Health and Wellness. “Because ultimately, the goal for pride is to have inclusion, to show presence.”

Reyes’ group, which began its work the same year the festival was established, was presented a certificate recognizing the occasion.

“It’s always important to be visible and to create a space for the community to come and feel not only safe but comfortable and enjoy themselves,” she said.

After presenting Reyes’ group with the certificate, City Councilmember Mario Enriquez made reference to the council’s decision to allow the Pride flag to be flown outside City Hall every year at the beginning of Pride Month.

“Now that we do the first week of June, trust me, I will fight to make sure that we do it for the entire month of June,” Enriquez said from the stage.

The festival, held at Dr. Martin Luther King Plaza downtown, filled the day with food, fun and live performances from both drag and musical artists throughout.

“It’s such an important milestone as we continue to make sure we protect each other, stay connected, and celebrate our differences that’s what make us a stronger community,” said Beckett Kelly, chief of staff for San Joaquin County District 3 Supervisor Sonny Dhaliwal’s office.