Summer of Pride
Rural pride has been a slowly evolving phenomenon that is still under-reported in national and regional publications such as the Advocate or Lavender magazines. People who put on these events are taking greater risks to their jobs and relationships than their national and metro counter-parts. Rural America is still, after all, very closeted. The truth is, gay marriage and other gay rights are still dreams yet to be realized for rural GLBT people.
That is, in part, why it is so important for these events to emerge from the shadows of the mega-pride events that have become ultra-commercialized. Many businesses in metro areas now see their events as sources of income rather than celebrations.
Don't agree? Take a look at who is making money on these events and who is actually providing the financial support to organize and conduct these events. You'll often find that the businesses reaping the greatest benefits contribute the least to the organization that makes their prosperity possible.
In order to prevent this cancer from seeping into the rural pride events, we forego the financial considerations and selflessly promote these events. If we don't, pride will have lost all meaning in our community.
PRIDE ORGANIZERS: If you have events you would like to see covered here, please contact me
Bret
