2008 Woodie Awards
Gay Pride
Theresa Hall
Issue date: 12/1/05 Section: Entertainment
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There has not been much interest in the area for it, but according to Jeff Sterling, many people want to bring it back. This parade is technically for LGBT, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. Individuals.
"We would like to have it in June," Sterling said.
This parade would be part of the diversity acceptance program, which promotes acceptance and tries to stymie homophobia. The parade would involve the upper Mohawk Valley including Rome, Oneida and Little Falls.
"We want to involve college students," Sterling said.
"I think it is a great idea to have a gay pride parade in Utica. It is a great community builder for the gay and lesbian community in the Mohawk Valley and also a great way raise awareness on gay issues and concerns," Joseph Stabb, junior public relations major said. "I would be happy to support any effort towards that."
The parade would feature gay role models from throughout history. People could dress up like Alexander The Great, Susan B. Anthony and Oscar Wild.
"This will be an example, to prove that gay people have been here for a long time," Sterling said.
The Mohawk Valley parade does not want to conflict with Albany's or Syracuse's parade, because they would be encouraged to participate in this parade as well.
The United Church of Christ is one church that is accepting of LGBT. "We want to involve all clergy and congregations that accept the way of LGBT," Sterling said.
The idea for the parade is to start at the United Church of Christ, continue down Genesee Street, up Court Street and end in Hanna Park. There is hope to have floats, marching bands and supporters who are straight.
"It would be great to bring the pride parade back to Utica," freshman Will Lanfear said. "It would be a good event to bring diversity to the community,"
Parade organizers hope the demonstration would show the gains made and what still needs to be done such as instituting marriage laws.
"Gay people are the same as everyone else, we eat, we work, and we pay taxes," Sterling said.
For more information on the parade or LGBT, The Political Action Group for LGBT meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 412 Rutger Street, Utica.