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Huntsville Made History Yesterday With First Gay Pride Parade

by: countrycat Mon Jun 25, 2012 at 15:36:00 PM CDT

The Pride rallies began in the 1980's with music, speakers, and candlelight vigils. But on Sunday, GLBT folks & their friends took to the streets (literally) for the first time when over 500 people gathered in Big Spring Park yesterday for a block party and parade. The event was organized by James Robinson, director of GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, and he has a lot to be proud of. Although the day was sweltering, it didn't reduce the enthusiasm of the crowd or those working the information tables including the local Unitarian Church, Madison County Democratic Party, and Why Marriage Matters Alabama (an Alabama marriage equality group organized by LIA contributor & blogger BessemerOpinions). Entertainment included music, comedy, speakers, a gospel choir, and even a drag show. Daddycat and I laughed that we never, ever expected to begin a sentence with "I was at a drag show in Big Spring Park today and...." Even though the atmosphere was celebratory, few people could ignore the challenges facing GLBT folks in our state. Grissom High School's Gay/Straight Alliance was there with a reminder that bullying doesn't just come from fellow students but often from teachers as well. PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) speaks eloquently about the need for families to support their GLBT members. Why Marriage Matters Alabama works to build grassroots support for marriage equality. Like them on Facebook. Too many people face rough times due to prejudice from their own friends & families, institutionalized discrimination via government policies, and a cold shoulder from some churches. But everyone basking in yesterday's warmth and welcoming atmosphere seemed almost jubilant.

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Left In Alabama:: Huntsville Made History Yesterday With First Gay Prid...

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The times, they really are changing. They have to. NOTE: I updated the lede to reflect the fact that people have gathered for Pride rallies for quite a while (the first one I remember was in the 1980's), but Sunday's "Parade" was the first time the group actually marched in a real parade on the public streets. James Robinson wanted to make sure that people know about and respect the efforts of those who have been active on these issues for decades! countrycat :: Huntsville Made History Yesterday With First Gay Pride Parade Tags: gblt, James Robinson, GLBT Advocacy and Youth Services, GLBTAYS, (All Tags) Print Friendly View Share | Send As Email

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Huntsville Made History Yesterday With First Gay Pride Parade | 4 comments Wow! (0.00 / 0) 500 people at a Gay Pride event in li'l old Huntsville? That's awesome. Thanks for the report. Work harder and work smarter! by: mooncat @ Tue Jun 26, 2012 at 01:09:05 AM UTC gay culture/activism in Montgomery? (4.00 / 1) Does anyone know about gay culture and/or activism in Montgomery? All I've heard is information passed to me from a friend in ATL who has a friend from here who says that there are a lot of beardcouples in the Gump. At the school where I teach there are some outspoken or way out gay people, but the general tone is mildly to hotly homophobic.

by: profindagump @ Tue Jun 26, 2012 at 12:12:22 PM UTC [ Parent ] While I can offer no concrete information (0.00 / 0) This sure sounds like Montgomery:

"the general tone is mildly to hotly homophobic."

Work harder and work smarter! by: mooncat @ Tue Jun 26, 2012 at 13:08:32 PM UTC [ Parent ] report on the event from a high school student (0.00 / 0)

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Left In Alabama:: Huntsville Made History Yesterday With First Gay Prid...

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A totally terrific account of a great afternoon:

Many groups had come today; We had Grissom's Gay Straight Alliance (A highschool group), Teen Coalition (A group to banish STD's), several church groups, a group of democrats, Tarot reading, and many more. Much like last time that I helped with GLBT Youth & Advocacy, I was shocked by how well put together everything was. All of the tables and tents had been set up early, the sound board and stage were set up, and just about every group offered free drinks, food, chairs, and small trinkets. After I had finished checking out all the tables, I made my way to a shaded area and sat by myself while I waited for two girls I babysit to get there. I expected to spend the day mostly alone, but that was quickly broken apart by Grissom's GSA. Two of the girls, I had only met them once before, wasted no time in inviting me to sit with them at their table.

There are no "safe" Republican districts. You can run but you can't hide. - Rahm Emmanuel

by: countrycat @ Tue Jun 26, 2012 at 20:29:38 PM UTC Huntsville Made History Yesterday With First Gay Pride Parade | 4 comments

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