The parade was sponsored by Boeing, sparking protests among the local LGBTQ community due to the company's production of weapons for the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip (2023–present).

[7] One protest delayed the parade by an hour, after festival organizers asked St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to arrest 19 people blocking the route.

[9] At the same time, writer Jim Thomas invited representatives from organizations around town to a meeting to begin discussions for an annual celebration.

June is now known as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, and since the first PrideFest in 1981, the event has grown in size, attendance, and scope.

It has since been held at Soldiers Memorial, with the support of local officials, LGBT organizations, and the City of Saint Louis.

[10][11] The Pride Parade has served as a method for legislators and candidates to illustrate their support of the LGBT community.

The parade also serves as a means to showcase the creative talents and service hundreds of LGBT-friendly businesses, non-profit organizations, and community groups, as they spread their message to all who attend.