The black and Latino LGBTQIA+ community came with a message of empowerment Saturday.

For some, the 12th annual Gay Pride celebration also sends a message of support, and offers the opportunity to express creativity in different ways.

"It's not everyday you get to be surrounded by your community, so it's a wonderful time," said one festival goer.

"I started planning for pride two months in advance," said another.

Emily, a festival goer, said she wanted her outfit to make a statement but she and others say the community coming together speaks louder than words.

"I don't think people understand how hard it is for minority members of the LGBT community, because they have been ignored for so long," Emily said.

The festival commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. The movement centered around equality for LGBTQIA+ groups.

Organizers say many are unaware of the dangers transgender community face everyday.

"There needs to be more mobilization and education around transgender women of color," said Tandra LaGrone, the executive director of In Our Own Voices and co-organizer of the event.

Performer London Jae, who is transgender, takes the stage as Beyonce and leaves her audience with a call to action.

"It's just time to stand up as a community no matter what gender you are, no matter what sexuality you are, and understand everyone needs to be protected and everyone needs to be kept safe from people who would want to harm them," the performer said.

In the end, the event's message was loud and clear.

"It's good to have people being able to come together and have one common goal and that is to love each other," said a festival participant.