Kalie Ammons, Ray Anne Schoeffler and Gabe Hoagland pose with their signs before the march began at this year’s spring rally.

WARSAW — On Saturday, Oct. 29, the Kosciusko County Courthouse lawn will be full of the county’s equality supporters as the Pro Equality Hooser Rally II takes place.

The rally starts at noon and will continue until 4 p.m. There will be entertainment and informational opportunities available for everyone.

“Warsaw is home to the orthopedic capital of the world and the knee implants don’t discriminate so we need to recognize diversity in our community,” said Jeff Bridge, one of the rally’s hosts.  “We want to bring the best talent from all over that world so we need to educate and learn from others around the world.  I think it is also important to dispel any untrue notions about the gay community and lead by example in our community.”

Scheduled speakers on equality will be Jeff Bridge, Pete Tuura, area Democrat leaders, Juli Dominguez and Jorge Fernandez and a local pastor. Anyone with a positive message to share about equality is invited to speak as well.

There will also be raffle drawing to fund a Warsaw LGBT center, voter registration, free wedding cake, pizza and drinks. The rally will be accepting donations of clothing, food furniture and diapers to proceed Our Father’s House. Breon Jones, Brett Hall, Hugh Freeman and Marena Moonflower will be performing musical acts during the rally.

The rallies started last year and has grown with every new event.

“Pete Tuura and I came up with the idea last year and we are taking baby steps with the Warsaw community to educate the public on issues facing the LGBT community,” said Bridge. “Last year we had a mother come up to us and say her son was gay and going through what we were doing.  We know we are making an impact in our community so we will keep on fighting for equality and acceptance.”

The rally is open to everyone regardless of  age, race, gender, political affiliation, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religion or no religion.