2011 Is So Gay!

Every year, there are a variety of events, activities, and observances that are relevant to the LGBT community. It's difficult to get a comprehensive list, but here is a good start on upcoming days of observance to be aware of.

Truly, 2011 is so gay. As is every year!

Please feel free to leave a comment on other LGBT day or observance/holidays (holigays :) ) that you think should be added.

January

February

• National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - Feb 7
• Feb 15 - TENTATIVE SAVE THE DATE! Equality NC Day Of Action in Raleigh (lobby day)
  

March

• National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - Mar 10

April

• TransAction Day - Apr 8 in 2010
• Day of Silence - Apr 16

May

• National Foster Care Month - May
• The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) - May 17
• Harvey Milk Day - May 22

June

• LGBT Pride Month - Jun
• Gay Days at Walt Disney World: the first week in Jun
• National HIV/AIDS Testing Day - Jun 27
• Stonewall Anniversary - Jun 30

July

August

September

• Celebrate Bisexuality Day - Sep 23
• National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - Sep 27
• NC Pride - around last weekend in Sep
  

October

• GLBT History Month - Oct
• National Coming Out Day - Oct 11
• Ally Week - around Oct 18-22

November

• National Adoption Awareness Month - Nov
• Equality NC Equality Conference & Gala - mid Nov (date, location pending)
  
• National Adoption Day is celebrated the Saturday before Thanksgiving
• National Transgender Day of Remembrance - Nov 20

December

• World AIDS Day - Dec 1

Is It Time To Take Back Pride?

(Thanks to ENC Communication Intern Matthew McGibney.)

As we approach the 40^th anniversary of the first Gay Liberation Day March, one group is questioning the character of current Pride events. Take Back Pride is a New York City-based organization that thinks Pride should focus on activism and protesting and not just be a big street party.

As the group’s website says, “It’s time for us all to remember this is a march, not a parade.”

This raises an interesting question. What is the correct role of Pride? Is it a celebration of the LGBT community, or is it an opportunity to highlight and object to the continued injustices facing LGBT individuals? Is it a little bit of both?

According to the group’s website, the purpose of Take Back Pride is to remind the world that “we are not content with what we have.” It points out several areas where equality is not yet achieved, including Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and marriage equality. Equality NC deals with many issues at the state level, issues like workplace non-discrimination and HIV/AIDS funding.

Take Back Pride would like to see more people at Pride events addressing these problems, through chants and signs.

In the end, Pride is both about celebrating past successes and working towards future victories. Many of the developments that we’ve seen in the 40 years since that first march must have seemed impossible at the time. Still, there are plenty of injustices that continue to this day. By educating people, Pride participants can act as agents of change while still having a great time.

Pride can maintain its Mardi Gras atmosphere while also promoting education and acceptance. There’s no reason we can’t have both.

UNCW Pride Shouts Out to ENC

Check out UNCW's PRIDEBlog. They're doing 30 days of Pride, listing things to be proud of, and take a look at:

12. That We've Got Equality NC

Thanks, UNCW Pride, and right back at you!

"PRIDE is a UNCW student organization dedicated to the recognition of students, faculty, and staff who have individual and unique personalities and would like to discuss current social issues. We primarily deal with issues concerning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and allied (LGBTIQA) communities."

Olympic Pride

For the first time ever, the Olympics and Paralympics have a PRIDE house.

The Olympics have long had different "houses" to celebrate the culture of different groups, e.g., Quebec House, Saskatchewan Pavilion, Irish House.

Now, there's a place for LGBT folks, athletes, families, and friends.

And there're actually two of them!

"PRIDE house Whistler is located in the centre of Whistler Village at the award winning boutique hotel of Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre. It will be a hip lounge with a cocktail bar with TV monitors to watch the Olympics, hang out, trade pins, a media area to do interviews, and a venue to just have fun. PRIDE house will be designed with the core values of celebrating authenticity, diversity and inclusiveness."

"PRIDE house Vancouver is located at Qmunity- BC's Queer Resource Centre (1170 Bute Street Vancouver, BC). This is the operational hub of PRIDE house Vancouver, with special events happening at various venues around town. Friendly PRIDE house ambassadors will be able to fill you in on all that is fabulously queer in Vancouver. We will also have on hand immigration and refugee experts with a wealth of knowledge and resources for you. There will be free wi-fi and a public access computer for visitors’ convenience as well as a TV playing non-stop sports excitement."

"PRIDE House Whistler will be open from February 8th through to March 21st. The hours of operation is scheduled from 10AM to 10PM daily. (Subject to Change)"

"PRIDE house Vancouver will be open from Feb. 11th through Feb.28th for the Olympics and then again March 12th through March 21st for the Paralympics."

The Mission of PRIDE house is:

• To provide an open and welcoming venue for the LGBT community and their allies to celebrate together diversity and inclusiveness through sport.
  
• To educate and make aware that LGBT people are still discriminated against and in some cases persecuted for being or assumed to be a homosexual. It is still illegal to be gay in over seventy countries around the world and in seven countries the punishment for being gay is death.

This is particularity significant given that back in 1982, the first "Gay Olympic Games" were sued scant weeks before the opening ceremonies in order to force them to drop the use of "Olympic" and "Olympiad" in their name, leading to our current appellation of "Gay Games."

(While it's been stated that homophobia was not the reason for the litigation, other groups, e.g., Crab Olympics, Police Olympics, Special Olympics, Junior Olympics, were not sued.)

According to the PRIDE house website, PRIDE house is significant especially to people in nations such as India, Iran, Jamaica, Ukraine, and the 65+ others where it is illegal to be gay, and in the seven countries where it being LGBT is punishable by death.

"We are very fortunate we live in communities in Canada and the US where, for the most part, Gay & Lesbians are treated with respect and dignity, but in other parts of the world they are not."

"PRIDE house aims to provide those citizens who human rights are being denied a welcoming space to go to and find like-minded people, to find support and encouragement that is so valuable. How incredible is it going to be to help just one athlete, coach, friend or family find the support network they need to true to themselves. Now, that is something to be proud of."

Equality in the News for September 26-October 2

Happy October! Time sure is flying by quickly! I hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed Pride this year! I was unable to attend because of work, but heard some many great things!

-Jennifer

STATE

Pam Spaulding Speaks at NC Pride

Many of you were well aware that North Carolina’s 25^th Pride took place in Durham! Please take a look and listen at Pam Spaulding’s keynote address, where she mentions ENC and the passage of the School Violence Protection Act.

Speaking of Pride…

The News & Observer reports that 4,500 attended this year’s pride fest which has been the largest number yet! Woo-hoo! The Herald-Sun also covered the event, and includes a small slide show.

A University Study Confirms What We Already Know…

East Carolina University (which just so happens to be my school), states that a study published this month in Adoption Quarterly found that: “the sexual orientation of adopted parents was not a significant predictor of emotional problems.” Well of course it isn’t. The only thing that should matter is whether or not the parents are going to love their children!

Orange County: The New Travel Hot Spot?

The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau held a symposium for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and ENC Executive Director Ian Palmquist was quoted giving some details about the political climate in the area.

Local Teens' Perspectives on the Need for Ally Week

The teen column in Wilmington's Star-News focused on making schools safer for LGBT students this month, and highlights the need for allies to speak out against name-calling.

NATION

Pro-Prop 8 Campaign Seeks to Shield Internal Memos

On Friday U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn Walker in San Francisco heard arguments from lawyers seeking internal campaign records from sponsors of California’s voter-approved gay marriage ban. The attorneys are challenging Prop 8, saying it denies equality to LGBT couples in violation of the U.S. Constitution. The judge is expected to rule on the issue next week.

Illinois: Marriage Equality Bill Introduced

On Thursday Illinois Senator Heather Steans introduced a marriage equality bill in the Illinois State Senate. The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Deb Mell, Sara Feigenholtz, Constance Howard, Harry Osterman and John Fritchey. Our friends at Equality of Illinois applaud the sponsoring legislators! Congrats to Illinois!

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

An article in Joint Force Quarterly--the Pentagon's top scholarly journal--argues forcefully for repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Adm. Mike Mullen who is the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff states that, “after a careful examination, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that unit cohesion will be negatively affected if homosexuals serve openly.” You don’t say? It amazes me how there have to be “studies” for many citizens in this country to believe in equal rights.

Well, that is it for this week’s round up. Please tune in next week for additional news briefs. Also, fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for daily updates!

NC PRIDE 2009 — New Experiences

by Volunteer Coordinator Intern Zack Ballard

We came. We marched. We dodged the storm ….

The looming rain may have deterred some from attending this year’s NC Pride, but those who did brave the elements proved they were ready to stand out and stand up for the LGBT community.

I had never been to a Pride before this year, so I wasn’t too sure what to expect — especially considering I was tabling as an intern for a state-level organization of which many people are familiar.

After struggling with the muddy ground and our tent for about thirty minutes, the day finally began, and I was nervous to see what happened. I was pleasantly surprised with every interaction I had, though — those of us at the Equality North Carolina table enjoyed talking to people all day about their hometowns, their experiences, and their time at Pride.

I spoke with many North Carolinians who have lost jobs because of their sexuality, and how happy they were to see our efforts to put a stop to the hate. I was ecstatic to see all of our eager volunteers networking and spreading the word about Equality NC’s goals. Because of you, volunteers, we were able to secure hundreds of signatures in support of ending workplace discrimination in North Carolina—a huge feat!

Not only were the Pride-goers happy and helpful, they were full of connections, stories, and positive energy. When it came time for the parade, I saw churches, schools, businesses, and locals gathering together to show support for the LGBT community (not to mention the bride and her llamas). I felt a sense of community I’ve yet to feel since coming out about a year ago.

It was wonderful to walk hand-in-hand with my partner, Aaron, and feel as comfortable and safe as any couple should. I expected there to be protesters everywhere yelling obscenities and giving looks of hate, but there were barely any in sight for the entirety of the parade. Afterward, looking at the final stack of signatures, I know now I really couldn’t have asked for a better Pride to be my first.

So thank you, everyone, for making this a truly unique experience! Happy Pride!

PRIDE Charlotte and Prejudice

by ENC volunteer Steve - Thanks to all our great volunteers who represented ENC at Pride Charlotte this weekend!

And then they came. They came wearing shorts, chaps, hats, and bandannas. They wore flip-flops, loafers, tennis shoes and boots. They wore shirts ....

The protesters came, as well. Their shirts said, "God has a better way," which was disappointing because they left off the ending - “For us all.” (I’m sure there is an active issue with a t-shirt maker pending somewhere.)

Other shirts were "Out is In," "I’m a whosoever," and "Legalize Gay," the rainbow emblems flashing bright as the rays of the sun. Wonderful it was. ["Legalize Gay" t-shirts were reaction to California's recent Prop 8 ruling.]

They came deftly honed at their skill of having a good time, and they were composed in relaxation and comfort for who they were. Friends brought friends, families brought their loved ones, couples as partners were together as one as it should be. Whether alone or in pairs or as a group, the throng of revelers were well-behaved.

This was my first such an event, even though I’ve been out for seven plus years now. It was everything I’d thought it would be but yet in some ways not stereotypical of what I had imagined. Stereotypes, now I realize, are merely a mental perception untested against reality. The reality for me is that for the first time ever I walked hand-in-hand with my partner down a city street unfeeling and uncaring about someone else’s perception of me – or us.

The parade of souls and onlookers alike took part in their individual ways on this day of Charlotte Pride. None were worse for wear in their own beliefs and lives.

Black Gay Pride Blogging

By ENC intern Brittany

On Saturday July 18, 2009, I attended Charlotte Black Gay Pride.

I arrived early with my friend Corey accompanying me. The location was Fran’s Park and Center, which is a locally owned Boys and Girls Club. I was very happy to be out of the hot sun for this Pride! A definite plus in my book!

After choosing a booth and setting up, Corey and I helped finish setting up the tables. Ashleigh arrived soon thereafter and helped for a few hours. (I want to say thank you very much to her!)

At 12:00, people began coming in. There was music playing and approximately 35 vendors altogether. It was a very good turnout despite some difficulties which arose in the beginning.

There was a stage set with the prospect of some entertainment. After going around once, acquiring some of the cool free stickers and meeting some amazing people from UNC Charlotte Pride, ACLU, Charlotte Gender Alliance, and QMocha, the live singers began. Two acts went on with two songs each. Following this was the always entertaining drag show.

By the end of this, it was already 5:00. We made many new contacts, and I had the privilege of witnessing Charlotte Black Gay Pride, a place where I felt an extreme amount of pride and a strong sense of community.

Why Black Pride?

This past weekend was Charlotte Black Gay Pride. Now, we've had people ask us, isn't regular gay pride enough? Why have a black gay pride?

There's no reason, of course.

Or rather, there's no reason beyond the one to have any pride celebration: to be visible, to share community, to support each other and let the world know we exist.

The gay community is often seen as being primarily male and white. As such, it's important for for other groups, like people of color (POC), to be seen within the greater LGBT movement.

Being a minority within a minority is tough. I mean, which bigotry do you reject and address first? It's not an either/or situation. POC are POC. Gay people are gay people. Gay POC are gay POC. None of us are portions of ourselves - we're all total human beings with varied aspects.

Having a celebration like Charlotte Black Gay Pride lets us acknowledge all of those elements and not focus on one. We need these events. In fact, we could use more of them, like trans pride, Jewish pride, family pride, etc.

We're all in the struggle for gay equality. We can best come together by acknowledging - and celebrating - our differences. We can and should be proud of everything about ourselves. Black gay pride isn't about being separatist or exclusive, but rather the opposite. It's about unity and a common human cause, despite superficial differences.

Check out ENC's upcoming blog on Charlotte Black Pride later this week.

Southern (Carolina) Pride - Spartanburg's First

by ENC intern Hillary Waugh

With all of the recent media attention focusing on South Carolina’s governor, I wanted to take the opportunity to share some exciting, albeit less scandalous, news regarding our neighbors to the South. This past weekend, Spartanburg, South Carolina hosted their first Pride march. I attended the event to help conduct interviews of those present for a dissertation project (not my own) and was absolutely floored by the experience.

The march, held June 20, 2009, began at the Unitarian Universalist church, weaving through downtown, before returning to the church’s grounds for the festival, which included speakers, musicians, and vendors. Many folks I spoke with were amazed by the turnout, with an estimated 400 people participating in the march. Several participants mentioned being apprehensive to be a part of the march, saying that they were unsure about whether they would be met with violence on the part of protestors.

As far as I saw, the protestors, of whom there were an estimated 300, did not resort to physical acts to deter participants. Protestors were relegated to the sidewalks, where they held sometimes clever, often religiously-inspired signs condemning the march and LGBT individuals in general.

One of the things I found most interesting was that many of the people who organized and participated in the day’s events identify as straight allies. Throughout my conversations, a lot of them said that they did this to work toward social justice and civil rights for the LGBT community, and also because they were more able to do so without risking their livelihoods. It was an incredible show of support, and reminded me once again of the necessity for straight allies.

While the tension between participants and protestors was palpable, the day was celebratory and joyful in nature. The event itself successfully increased LGBT visibility and was a huge step for residents of South Carolina’s Upstate.

Many kudos to Upstate Pride, the group behind the march, as well as to the hundreds of LGBT and ally participants who made their presence known. Plans are already underway for next year’s march. I hope that this is just the first of many successful Pride events in Spartanburg, and that it helps to create a more inclusive climate for LGBT individuals in the region.