Pride Events Expand Into Smaller Bible Belt Cities


It used to be said or implied all gays in the U.S. lived in San Francisco. Slowly it became know gays lived in other large cities. The truth is, gays live everywhere. In small towns mostly they have stayed unseen or in the closet. That has changed. Small cities, including some in the Bible Belt, are having Gay Pride events including parades down Mainstreet. 

Gay Pride has reached into Mississippi. Starkville has an event. When it was first planned, it was on the City Council's agenda as a consent issue like all festivals and parades that require the City government's approval. A council member pulled it out to discuss. Then the council approved other festivals but not the Gay Pride event. It took a letter from a national civil rights group to change minds and it was quickly approved. When will the religious learn, this country is not here just for you.

The Gay Pride events are an opportunity for gay people to appear in public as gay. The same for supporters of gay people. That such folks will stand unafraid (probably they are afraid sometimes) and stare down religious bigots is a powerful weapon. Gay opponents often think no one will do that. When it happens they are not prepared.

The actual gay events are quite bland. Most often, social agencies will have units and employees in the parade. Also there will be some liberal churches. A few businesses as well. This is spite of common boycott threats. 

I cannot tell you the number of letters and phone messages I received after the first Gay Pride proclamation informing me gleefully I would not be reelected. I was reelected. I'm sure the Mayor of Starkville has been told the same thing. 

I was told often I discriminated against straight people because I did not issue a sexual straight proclamation. I challenged one smart ass that I would write and sign such a proclamation. He was to cowardly to come and pick it up.

Perhaps the most vicious and well funded war against gays was headed by Jerry Falwell and the moral majority. Falwell was founder of the Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg and the church served as headquarters for anti gay Virginia. In case you missed it, the City of Lynchburg held a Gay Pride festival this past August.

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