With a rum-pah-tum of drums, or, more likely, the full-throated roar of women on big motorcycles, Seattle Pride will stage its annual march down Broadway on June 25 as the centerpiece of a weekend showcasing pride and equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans-gender community.
"Pride Explosion! is the chosen theme for Seattle Pride 2005," proclaims the Pride Web site. "This theme was chosen because LGBT issues are exploding onto the national forefront in light of recent events. We need a Pride Explosion to remind the greater community we are still here and to remind ourselves what's at stake."
This is the event's 32nd year, but it is also the last year the event will rally at Volunteer Park. Next year, Pride moves to Seattle Center, ending its traditional Capitol Hill home base.
"People must remember that Seattle Pride is not merely for Seattle, but truly is for all in King County since it is the only event," said Frank Leonzal, one of this year's Pride co-chairs, about the upcoming change of venue. "People must remember that our 'family' is now in several neighborhoods: West Seattle, Rainier Valley, Georgetown, etc. We are truly everywhere."
This year's layout in Volunteer Park will be about the same as last year with some new additions the Pride committee is adding in cooperation with other groups.
The Queer Young People's Space, for participants ages 14 to 22, will showcase various art forms produced by this part of the LGBT community. It will provide them an area that is part of the larger event and allow the whole community to appreciate the talent that is burgeoning in this segment of the community.
New to the KidSpace, designed for those up to 13 years, will be Seattle Fire Department participation. The fire fighters will present youth education and fire prevention programs. There may be a fire truck display, and a presentation of opportunities for youth through the department's Explorer program.
"This being our last year in Volunteer Park, I am proposing every usable space in the park be used," Leonzal said. He said this will mean more use of lawns in the booth area. "We are working with the community in response to those groups unable to meet staffing needs for two days." This will allow them to set up for a single day, and single day booths will be located in lawn areas where late setups will be less intrusive. However, there will be no beer garden or reception in Volunteer Park.
An important change this year will be for those in the community who have accessibility issues.
"We will be allowing services such as Access, NW Transport and paratransit companies to enter the park to a marked unload/load zone to make getting into the event easier," Leonzal said. "This will take place on both days. We are dedicated to making the event accessible to everyone and, once someone is there, as accessible and enjoyable as possible.
"We included language in applications starting last year reminding our participants to think of those who may have hearing or visual limitations. It was met with great enthusiasm from our participants and the community. We are also looking into free shuttle service from key points along Broadway to Volunteer Park with lift-equipped buses."
Seattle Pride is one of many events that take place about the same time in LGBT communities nationwide. It is, despite the clowning, socializing and partying, a serious event that turns out the LGBT community to show its many faces and its refusal to be marginalized by mainstream America. It is, simply, a civil-rights demonstration.
Planners are already looking forward to 2006.
"Watch for next year when things will be exploding all over the place!" Leonzal promised. "The community as a whole will see a new face to the organization with a vibrant energetic power not seen in some time. When you see the surveys at the event or on our Web site, take the time to tell us what you think. We want to know."
Seattle Pride takes a great deal of work to plan, organize and make happen. It is all done by volunteers. "In a perfect world we would have a volunteer crew of 500 people," Leonzal said. "Right now we are at about 150 volunteers in our data base."
Anyone who wishes to be involved with this community event should contact Lana Saunders, volunteer coordinator, via the Seattle Pride Web site, www.seattlepride.org. Volunteer workers are needed for pre-event projects, day-of work and, of course, at the end of the event for wrap up and clean up.
"I encourage anyone who has thought about volunteering in the past to make this the year you do," Leonzal said. "On Saturday we will once again work with LifeLong AIDS Alliance to have Bingo in the Park and end the day with the outdoor movie. Sunday will provide a full day of entertainment, education and a chance for everyone to celebrate who we are, who we love, who our friends are. I encourage everyone to come out, try Saturday, try the march/parade, try the festival - try it all!"
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