Pride event continues message of equality

WILKES-BARRE – As organizers of the upcoming Pride Fest in Wilkes-Barre gather, a strong sense of community and celebration will serve to connect gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight people of all kinds.
Pride Fest, set for Sunday, Aug. 14 and organized by the NEPA Rainbow Alliance, will promote the idea of equal rights and gay pride.

After the recent passing of legislation in New York to allow gay people to marry, a feeling of excitement has washed over many GLBT residents in northeastern Pennsylvania, according to Rainbow Alliance Executive Director John Dawe.
“In New York, it is very exciting and a big step forward for the people that live there,” Dawe said. “Unfortunately, when they come back to Pennsylvania, their marriage in the eyes of law means nothing... It has no weight in Pennsylvania, unfortunately.”

Dawe said early estimates show that New York could generate over $4 million over the next three years from gay marriage. He said it is disheartening to residents of the Keystone State to see these numbers and know that the commonwealth is losing potential income.
“It’s something in Pennsylvania that they’re trying to figure out how to continue to discriminate against,” Dawe said. “With all of the nation’s budget problems and economy problems, you’d think that legislators would be focusing on things that are going to help these situations, not discriminating against any specific group of people.”

Progress takes time, but Dawe believes that people’s attitudes on marriage equality have changed significantly over the years.
“The government should not use itself to take away or restrict people from having rights,” Dawe said. “The Constitution begins with the Bill of Rights. Nowhere does it say in there ‘except for gay people, black people, and women.’ ”
The recent developments in New York will likely be a larger topic of discussion during this year’s Pride Fest, but the main focus will continue to be a community coming together.
Those attending the event can look forward to local bands Pop Rox, M-80, and a special appearance from gay rights activist Jade Starling, who was a member of the band Pretty Poison during the 1980s.
“We are very excited to have her perform. She’s performed at pride fests around the country, places like New York and Philadelphia,” said Dawe.
Local entertainment, including DJs and live performances will be sponsored by Twist Nightclub and The 12 Penny Saloon.

There will be a wide selection of food such as chicken fingers, funnel cakes, and more. Each food vendor will also include a dish of the day specially prepared for the occasion.
Last year, the event attracted nearly 2,000 people, according to Dawe, and this year they hope to welcome as many at 3,000.
“It serves as a way to connect members of the GLBT community with vendors and exhibitors who have some stake in the community, whether it’s looking to promote their business to that demographic or an organization that provides services,” Dawe said.

http://www.timesleader.com/golackawanna/news/Pride_event_continues_message_of_equality_07-31-2011.html