Over one thousand Minnesotans braved a chilly Thursday afternoon last week to rally for LGBT equality along with Gov. Mark Dayton, the first sitting governor to address the event which has been hosted at the Minnesota Capitol for almost a decade. In addition to Mark Dayton, many elected officials greeted the crowd including Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak, Rep. Karen Clark and Rep. Erin Murphy and John Harrington. Bluestem Prairie captured video of the event.

Here’s Gov. Mark Dayton:

Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak:

Rep. Karen Clark:

Javier Morillo-Alicea, president of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26:

Sen. John Harrington said, “We are working toward a day where no one needs to be afraid because of who they love!” While Rep. Erin Murphy added, “Equality is the inalienable right of humans, Americans, Minnesotans.”

Jeff and Lori Wilfahrt of Rosemount spoke about their son, Cpl. Andrew Wilfahrt, who died in an attack in Afghanistan six week ago: