Pride in Plaza
Written by William Roller
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18 July 2010
Drapes Mission in a
Rainbow of all Hues
Even though the 14th Pride in the Plaza was on Sunday the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (drag queens in nun’s habit) were absent from the pulpit but the entire SLO community did have a fabulous time. Robert Kinports, coordinator of Central Coast Lesbian and Gay Alliance, organizer of the annual GALA fest noted, they did not include a drag show this year because they wanted to show off just how normal the LGBT community and their activities are. “We prefer the media embrace all the aspects of Pride activities instead of just one small segment.”
Hundreds of county residents enjoyed the midway style games and booths that also provided health information and referrals. Kinports said their was at least something to celebrate this year as President Obama recently ordered hospitals to allow partners of gay patients to visit their loved ones
Without having to obtain a power of attorney. Kinsport has already placed his partner under his employers health plan but because they are domestic partners and not a married couple he gets hit with a federal tax penalty. That is just another reason why he would like to see gay marriage enacted in California, he said. Even though the passion of the Perpetual Sisters was missing in action a coalition of clergy kicked off the GALA with an invocation and worship service of multi-denominational clergy including the Episcopal, Presbyterian, Unitarian Universalist churches as well as a synagogue. Led by Rev. Susan Brecht, of the Community Church of Atascadero UCC, the brief worship guided by Brecht led people through a brief yet poignant service titled, God’s Rainbow People. “Our message is, our communities churches and synagogues are affirming their support on the Central Coast and welcome them as God’s children into our congregations.”
Amanda Bailey and Laura Crandall strolling through the vendors stalls hand in hand with house dog Jake were marking their second anniversary. Bailey and Crandall were “married” at the ’08 Pride in the Plaza. Bailey said, it was great to see all the strong, loving families at the GALA.
“We came out here just to hold hands for the day. It just goes to show we’re a happy, healthy couple like you.”
Jason Gillespie and Malena Maldonado, husband and wife up from Grover Beach, said it was a lot of good energy with really tight bands on the stage, noted Gilespie. “It’s very welcoming for everybody. They don’t care about my sexual orientation and I don’t care about theirs.”
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