I was very happy to stumble upon a form on the Pittsburgh Pride web site, seeking your input fore a theme for the 2015 Pride! I was not a fan of last year’s theme, feeling that it wasn’t as inclusive of the whole of the LGBTQ community as it could have been. But this year, a list of options put out for your vote demonstrate a lot of great choices that speak to inclusivity, community, and working together. I love this list of options!
I’m also thrilled with the form as a whole. It allows users to identify themselves and offers wonderful options there too. I’ve criticized Delta for hanging on so tightly to the LGBT moniker and ignoring the Q for “queer.” and guess what– Delta is giving everyone a choice to self identify in whatever way feels right to them. Choices are offered for gender identity, and also for sexual orientation. I don’t think the form could be more welcoming and inclusive. Great job Delta!
In terms of the theme choices, I think I can make a case fore every single one of them! I’m not sure which is my vote (yet) but, “Together We Are Strong” is high on the list, just as “A Moment Like This.” I think everyone would be a part of a great Pride!
Now the ball is in your court Pittsburgh!
I can’t tell you how often I have people bitch and moan to me about Delta, but you know what? You can’t expect Delta (or any organization) to read your minds. You have to step up and add your voice! Don’t tell me that Delta doesn’t care about Queer people, if you don’t vote and let them know what you– Pittsburgh’s Queer people want as a theme. And I’m talking to you Gays, and Lesbians, and Bisexuals, and Trans* persons too!
Pride matters and so do you!
We have many important LGBTQ and related organizations in Pittsburgh, and the work of each of them matters. Pride holds a special importance as it is a vehicle for creating visibility in very big ways. For many LGBTQ folks, enormous strength grows from seeing the huge number of people present at the various parts of Pride, and they use that strength 365 days a year to keep being strong themselves. So, how about it? Step up and add your voice to the mix and vote for your Pride Theme choice, because… together we are strong! (I read that somewhere.)