A Matter of Pride

Our Pride event was put together pretty quickly -- in five weeks. I don't know why or how, but it was quite wonderful.

After the flag raising on Friday, there was a lip-sync event at Market Square on Saturday afternoon. With many booths and vendors also around, it was a great event. There was such celebration and joy.

Just being there gave me an appreciation of why a party such as this is so meaningful. Some gay people have lived in fear in the shadows while others have been abused terribly for being who they are.

I don't think many understand that the celebration isn't about proclaiming your sexuality but rejoicing in new found freedom and pushing the boundaries of tolerance.

During the performance, I was sometimes almost tearful to think what some people have been through just because they are who they are, and I found it very meaningful to celebrate with them in some small way.

There were drag queens and other performers in the lip syncing event, and I have pictures because Sue secured a front row seat while I was still roaming around the perimeter, which is when I got the first photo, below. The others were taken during the performance.

Linda ↓ is a terrific asset to our town. She writes much of its history and promotes events such as this whenever she can. She sponsors informative, historical walks in town and also led the Halloween cemetery walk which we participated in a few years ago. Despite running for Council in the upcoming municipal election, she doesn't take herself too seriously and was willing to dress up and participate in the lip sync contest: this despite not being in the best of health. What an asset to the community she is!

Another stalwart performer that I will leave you with. What expression!