By Cameron Enomoto | Staff Writer

Rochelle Baltazar attended the Honolulu Pride Parade on Saturday morning in Waikīkī. Many agencies and community groups were present including Hawaiian Airlines, the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Honolulu, Kaiser Permanente, and Disney.

Baltazar dressed proudly in a Superman T-shirt with a rainbow cowboy hat and matching flag. To add to the festivities and cheer on parade participants, Baltazar also carried a pool noodle and a small tambourine.

“To me, pride means being accepting of myself and of others,” said the 44-year-old. “There’s no shame in being who you want to be anymore. You know, some people still think there’s shame but get rid of that stuff already. You gotta be who you want to be.”

Baltazar, who is from Waiʻanae, identifies as gay and has been part of the LGBTQ+ community for over 25 years.

“If people are scared of coming out now, I would tell them that it’s a new age,” said Baltazar. “Of course, there’s a time and place you know, but don’t be afraid to get out there and live your life. There are so many good people in the LGBTQ+, and we will all support you.”