LGBT community reaction mixed to Pride Festival relocation

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The decision to move the Pride Festival from Montrose to downtown is getting mixed reviews from the LGBT community.

Pride Houston held a community meeting today to explain its decision.

The group says downtown provides more space, parking and access for first responders.

Some people are excited about the expansion. While others feel the organization should have gotten more feedback first.

Ferny Reyes, who opposes the festival move, said, "I think there are ways to make it work. And I don't think they've been really truly reaching out to people in the wider community to figure out how that could happen."

On the other hand, others support the decision. "I think being in downtown with a park, having trees and grass with an expanded festival and having the parade go near city hall with fireworks at the end, it's going to be very exciting for the city of houston," Nicolas Brines said.

The first downtown parade and festival will be held next June 20.