'Can’t have a rainbow without first having a storm:' Charleston Pride parade marches on despite rain
Lynn Eady, Charleston, takes a break from a King Street job to greet the passing Charleston Pride Parade, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, which was held during a steady rain. Robert Scheer/Staff Venus, born and raised in Charleston, says hello to coworkers and friends at Canvas Salon, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, as they quickly step away from walking in the passing Pride Parade in downtown Charleston. “I mainly do hair, and do drag on the weekends,” Venus said. Robert Scheer/Staff Mint Woodberry, 3, Charleston waits along Ann Street, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, during the kickoff of the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. Woodberry visited the event with family. Robert Scheer/Staff Mary Ergul, Charleston, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, gives a hug to a friend just before kickoff of the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. A steady light rain kept things cool, and didn’t cancel the event, which is held four months after Pride’s traditional month of June. Robert Scheer/Staff Employees and friends stand outside Dudley’s on Ann, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, during the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. A steady light rain kept things cool, and didn’t cancel the event, which is held four months after Pride’s traditional month of June. Robert Scheer/Staff William Blair, a Clemson education student, hands out stickers, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, during the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. A steady light rain kept things cool, and didn’t cancel the event, which is held four months after Pride’s traditional month of June. Robert Scheer/Staff Performers shake tambourines to disco music, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, during the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. A steady light rain kept things cool, and didn’t cancel the event, which is held four months after Pride’s traditional month of June. Robert Scheer/Staff Olivia Knowles (right), Savannah, Ga., who holds the title of Empress of Charleston Pride, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, poses for a photo with a friend, during the 16th annual parade. A steady light rain kept things cool, and didn’t cancel the event, which is held four months after Pride’s traditional month of June. Robert Scheer/Staff Rory Nordeng, with College of Charleston Pride, dances in front of a small group of protesters, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, during the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. The protesters stood on the corner of King and Calhoun Streets, during the 45 minute event, mostly down King Street. Robert Scheer/Staff The marquee outside the American Theater provides rain cover, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, during the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. A steady light rain kept things cool, and didn’t cancel the event, which is held four months after Pride’s traditional month of June. Robert Scheer/Staff Jessica Meng, Charleston, decorates a Student Alliance for Equality car, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, before the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. A steady light rain kept things cool, and didn’t cancel the event, which is held four months after Pride’s traditional month of June. Robert Scheer/Staff Nea Wallen (left), chats with friend Patrice Denmark, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, before they walk in the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. A steady light rain kept things cool, and didn’t cancel the event, which is held four months after Pride’s traditional month of June. Robert Scheer/Staff Keswana Coaxum, Charleston, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, during a rainy 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. “Every year when I have time, I do a whole little costume,” Coaxum said about her outfit. “It’s great with the weather.” Robert Scheer/Staff Merritt Gregg, a local teacher at their first pride parade, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, watches the event in downtown Charleston. A steady light rain kept things cool, and didn’t cancel the event, which is held four months after Pride’s traditional month of June. Robert Scheer/Staff Olivia Turer, with Millie the dog, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, waves at the passing Charleston Pride Parade. A steady light rain kept things cool, and didn’t cancel the event, which is held four months after Pride’s traditional month of June. Robert Scheer/Staff Dana St. James, Raleigh, N.C., poses for a photo, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, before the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. She is one of the featured performers at the event, held in a steady drizzle. Robert Scheer/Staff Leon Stungurys, Summerville, drives a parade truck as Pride lettering is slowly lost to a steady rain, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, during the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. Robert Scheer/Staff Kristin Dobransky, Charleston, gets stickers from a fellow parade walker, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, during the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. A steady light rain kept things cool, and didn’t cancel the event, which is held four months after Pride’s traditional month of June. Robert Scheer/Staff A giant Pride flag and bubbles, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, during the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. A steady light rain kept things cool, and didn’t cancel the event, which is held four months after Pride’s traditional month of June. Robert Scheer/Staff Michael Gibson, North Charleston, smiles during work putting together the Dudley’s on Ann float, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, before the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade. Dudley’s is a downtown nightclub that regularly features drag and burlesque performers. Robert Scheer/Staff Parade-goers watch as the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade passes, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, held during a steady rain. Robert Scheer/Staff