These are examples of what Pride means, and who “makes” Pride a reality. It is not the organization, but it is the community– the people who are being with each other, and no organization can claim responsibility for that. The community will find a way to “do Pride” regardless of what an organization does or doesn’t do.
People all the time ask what LGBTQ activists ought to work on after marriage is complete and nondiscrimination is done. We have to care more about our youth and end bullying and brutality.
I walked around PrideFest today, and as I did, person after person thanked me for the writing I’ve been doing about the Pittsburgh Pride controversy. I’ve tried to write with clarity and give voice to the issues within the emotions and passionate agendas. I think my own perspective is also present, but I keep hearing that my commentary has been balanced, fair,and informative. Few things make me, the blogger, happier than to have a reader[Read More…]
Pride is all about a conscious effort to examine the status quo and decide where to add your voice for change. For Pittsburgh Pride, in 20125, the issue is complex. Do you support Roots Pride Pittsburgh or the status quo?
The Delta Foundation has another Pride in the Street with a performer who is mostly marketed towards the gay make constituency that Delta doesn’t recognize that they cater to. This is not progress, it is the status quo.
Five ideas or thoughts expressed during the Roots Pride Pittsburgh Town Hall meeting here in Pittsburgh PA.
Pittsburgh PrideFest and the PrideMarch are two events where you prompt change by being present and a part of them. We need to occupy these events and claim these spaces as fully inclusive.
I believe a planned facilitated meeting is potentially very good first step and I will publish more about it when available. But it is just one step, and much more will be needed in time. Every journey has begin some way however. The decision to bring Iggy Azalea ended up causing a reaction and that reaction is the start of a journey that may create greater inclusion, greater diversity and real respect.
I am publishing Billy Hileman’s statement about the upcoming Pride march here at as a part of the ongoing dialogue regarding Pittsburgh Pride and the Delta Foundation.
Pittsburgh City Councilperson Dan Gilman issues statement regarding Pittsburgh Pride controversy.