Grand Marshals Reflect on Community at Decorah Pride Parade and Party

Without local news, all we have are rumors. Keep facts alive — give now. DECORAH — Hundreds gathered in downtown Decorah Saturday for the seventh annual Decorah Pride Parade, followed by the Party in the Park celebration featuring speeches, music and dancing. "It is just optimistic and inspiring and exciting to see so many queer faces, allies, friends, family, kids, elders, and moms and dads all here to celebrate pride; to celebrate ourselves, the struggles that we have been through, and where we're going in the future," said event emcee Drea Nelson, who opened the afternoon program. "Community is intentional. Community is built. It has to be fed, fostered and nurtured… for many of us, our community of origin rejected us. We took that grief and used it to build something new to show what can be done when we build a community out of love, acceptance and support." Nelson thanked city officials and community members for their ongoing support of LGBTQ+ residents. "We are privileged in this town to also have local elected officials who have and continue to support our community," she said before introducing Mayor Lorraine Borowski, who welcomed attendees. "It's my treat to be here today," Borowski told the crowd. "I am so grateful for this community in so many ways. I want you to celebrate yourselves. Celebrate the organizers of this wonderful day, celebrate your friends, your family, and just have a great time." Nelson recognized dozens of volunteers and local sponsors who made the day possible, including small businesses, churches and community groups. The program's first featured speaker, Hannah Breckbill, co-founder of Humble Hands Harvest CSA Farm, spoke about connection to the land and the role of queer people in healing social and environmental harm. "I want to talk about the land that we're on right now," Breckbill said. "Each one of us is a precious expression of diversity and of life […] queer people are uniquely placed to help solve these problems because we've had to practice liberation and repair throughout our existence." The 2025 parade's grand marshals, Joshua Ratel-Khan and Mariann Fant, shared a personal story about love, transition and resilience. The couple, engaged at Decorah Pride in 2021 and married last month, reflected on the role of chosen family and the value of community support. "When my parents found out that I was queer in high school, they were not very happy," Fant said. "I was one of those kids that got sent to conversion therapy… and I just wish I could tell that queer high school self that there's so much to look forward to." The couple also addressed recent state policy changes. "We know that here in Iowa … I can now be legally discriminated against in employment, housing, public accommodations and education," Ratel-Khan said, referencing a law that took effect July 1, 2025, which removed legal protections for transgender people in those areas. "Even here in rural Iowa, where our civil rights have been taken away for trans folk, we can still create light among the darkness," he added. "We have never survived because of the state. We have survived because of each other." Their remarks drew applause and cheers from the crowd. Nelson closed the speaking portion by thanking the Pride planning committee, led by co-chairs Nancy Barry and Court Brink, with members including Andrea Becker, Gabriel Eide, Marcella Meza, Drea Nelson, Callum Nimrod and Jamie Webb, before turning the microphone over to local SHiNE dance and fitness instructor Robyn Duder for a high-energy dance session to start the party. As the DJ played dance tracks and attendees joined in, Nelson encouraged everyone to continue celebrating throughout the evening, which included a drag show and dance party at Impact Coffee. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.