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<\/del><\/p>\nNew Orleans Tourism launched its \u201cAlways Open\u201d campaign <\/a>in tandem with its marquee Mardi Gras celebration this week to welcome the LGBTQ community in particular to the city.<\/p>\n Proclaiming NOLA a home for diversity and equality, the city held a first-ever \u201cReverse Parade\u201d on February 12 in order to proclaim its commitment to the hard-won rights LGBTQ activists have achieved, especially in the face of potential rollbacks under Trump:<\/p>\n Through word of mouth, some four hundred citizens gathered and volunteered their time to create a message of diversity and equality. Donning full make-up, Mardi Gras garb, beads, or just plain clothes, the New Orleans community and its supporters marched backwards in a symbolic gesture shedding colorful clothing and masks along the way. Everything stopped, quiet ensued, then a flag appeared stating \u201cWe Are Never Going Back.\u201d Music filled the streets as participants marched forward in celebration.<\/p>\n Volunteers offered their enthusiasm for the event and the city in a behind-the-scenes video<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s a great place to celebrate\u2014you don\u2019t have to be afraid of who you are,\u201d said one, while another proclaimed the Big Easy an \u201c[LGBTQ] hub since the time of Tennessee Williams.\u201d<\/p>\n New Orleans Tourism, in conjunction with agency 360i, released a highlights video<\/a> of the event, directed by Trent Jaklitsch and accompanied by the following message:<\/p>\n After years of positive advancement for LGBTQ rights in this country, the New Orleans tourism community wants to send a message of hospitality to all visitors. We will always be welcoming and continue to move forward.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The post New Orleans LGBTQ Citizens\u2019 Backwards Parade Sends Powerful Message About Having Rights Reversed : WATCH<\/a> appeared first on Towleroad<\/a>.<\/p>\n