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Pride Theme 2010
The march for equality has travelled down a road that has been trodden by many all looking for the satisfaction of living in a world that provides true freedom and security. The dictionary defines equality as the state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability. Sadly, we can also define equality by the lack of those conditions shared by a great many people. Oftentimes politicians, media, and pundants attempt to show their openness or even support for progressive civil rights issues, but crudely paint these topics with the same stroke. Within the LGBTQ community, equality is a multi-faceted challenge. What is the most important issue? Is it marriage equality? Is it the repeal of DOMA? Is it the enactment of ENDA in Congress? Or is it being respected as a contributing member of society regardless of race, age, sexual orientation or gender identity? For 34 years, Rhode Island Pride has been marching first and foremost for the goal of equal rights for members of the LGBTQ Community and celebrating the diversity and visibility of such ones. Over that time period we have seen many accomplishments from the securing of civil rights protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, to the repeal of the archaic statues such as the sodomy law and the creation of hate crime legislation. With hard work and dedication these actions were accomplished in a period of less than twenty years. In comparison to other fights for equality, our accomplishments are praiseworthy. For example, in 1863 African-Americans were emancipated from slavery however it wasn’t until 1964 for the civil rights act to pass Congress. The federal woman suffrage amendment, originally written by Susan B. Anthony was introduced in Congress in 1878, but was passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate 1919 and ratified in the states in 1920. Yet equality still had to march, for in 1968 Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the US Congress and in 1981 Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman ever appointed to the US Supreme Court followed in 1993 by Ruth Bader Ginsberg and 2009 when Sonia Maria Sotomayor became the first Hispanic justice. These accomplishments are great, however full equality for all is not secured and despite electing a black man as president we still have much work to do. Whether it be marriage equality, issues of immigration, age, language, economics, gender, education, religion, race or sexual orientation – the full manifestation of equality is the a goal yet to be achieved. Equality is not an elusive concept. It can be obtained, it can be realized. But how does equality speak to you, your work, home, school, church or organization? What do you want to see in order for you to be equal? Do you have a vision or picture in your mind as to what you will do to help in this important work? For this and many other reasons, Rhode Island Pride has chosen a very appropriate theme for these challenging times. We are please to announce this year’s theme: EQUALITY – Imagine The Possibilities! We hope that this Pride season, each and every one of us imagine and visualize the amazing possibilities of full equality. We encourage you to have a greater share in the events, activities and programs that are being produced and hope you find them to be stimulating, thought provoking and a lot of fun! Ultimately it is our hope that Pride 2010 will motivate all of us to make equality our own in every facet of our lives. New Online Vendor Website for 2010 PrideFest New Location for PrideFest 2010  photo credit: Edward J. Kammerer, Jr. Congratulations Triple Crown Pageant Winners Gallery Q 2010 - Pride Art Show Open call for entries – Gallery Q and RI Pride announce a call to artists for a month long exhibition June 4-28 in downtown Providence, RI. Open to GLBTQ artists working in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, fiber, jewelry, glass, wood, metal, printmaking and multimedia. The artist submission deadline is May 21, 2010 with an entry fee of $25. The RI Pride Art Show has a long tradition of showcasing some of the best artistic talents in the LGBTQ community and working in partnership with Gallery Q, new elements have been added to enhance the experience of understanding art’s role in creating change in the world around us. One of the amazing components for this year’s Gallery Q/ RIPride Art Show is the historical anthropology of our community. Last year, Gallery Q was able to showcase a number of items from organizations, past events, publications and personal collections. It is our endeavor to expand this exhibition for this year’s show and continue to “show and tell” our history. Do you have old photographs, memorabilia or any item that would enhance this collection? Please contact us so that we can include you in this year’s show! For more information visit the website at http://www.wutupproductions.com/galleryq. You can download your application at the pride website under the FORMS button or send a SASE to: L. Sebastian PO BOX 3587 Cranston, RI 02907. Questions? Please contact Lara Sebastian at lseba@cox.net or 401-263-1960.
This year, RI Pride is teaming up with Pam Padula and the staff and crew of Girlspot/Club Gallery on Point Street in Providence to create a truly special event in the long tradition of the Goddess Show. Tickets in advance will be $15 and $20 at the door, so make your plans to be in attendance for our annual reunion to celebrate music, catch up with old friends or maybe make a new and special one. Delicious food and fun drink specials will enhance this magical gathering of hundreds.
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