Paraders marched along Dayton Street waving flags and receiving supportive honks from passersby.
Villagers take pride in their town
- Published: July 1, 2012
Led by Wonder Woman aka Melissa Heston waving a large rainbow flag, villagers marched through town yesterday in support of gay and lesbian pride. The walk was part of Yellow Springs’ first pride weekend, which kicked off yesterday afternoon on the Bryan Center lawn, where people gathered in full rainbow regalia to talk, remember and whoop about the freedoms that have been won and those still to win for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBT) communities.
Speakers talked about the importance of celebrating gay rights in a world where homosexuality is punishable by law in over 70 countries. Some talked about being raised in families defined not by their sexuality but by their love and caring. Some spoke about the discrimination that still occurs in communities nearby. And others expressed gratitude for the acceptance and openness that Yellow Springs provides for people of all persuasions.
Organizer Emily Seibel remembered Willa Dallas, who helped establish the Dayton chapter of PFLAG, or Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, a national advocacy and resource organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons and their communities. The first pride weekend was dedicated to Dallas.
Pride weekend continues today with the “We Are Family” picnic will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at Gaunt Park. The family-friendly event features swimming, pick-up kickball and karaoke. Organizers will provide bottled water. Families are encouraged to bring their own picnics.
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I had to be out of town for the day, but I hope this is only the first of MANY! BRAVO!!