NY Journal News

Events to showcase Rockland's gay pride

By SUZAN CLARKE
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: June 2, 2004)

Despite recent advances, gays, their loved ones and people committed to equality without exception must work harder than ever to truly achieve their goals, advocates say.

"I do think that the LGBTs have made incredible strides, but, by the same token, we cannot become complacent in terms of what those strides have been," said Richard Skipper, a Sparkill resident, speaking of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community. "The recent amendment that George Bush tried to put into the Constitution, it's appalling."

The constitutional amendment proposed by President Bush to define marriage as a bond only between a man and a woman, as well as other issues, will be on the minds of many as they celebrate Gay Pride Rockland 2004 from Sunday to June 13, Phyllis Frank, director of Volunteer Counseling Service, said yesterday.

The VCS Community Change Project has organized the weeklong June celebration every year since 1999, and Frank said the event's purpose was to acknowledge the LGBT families and loved ones from Rockland.

It was encouraging to realize that the words "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered" were no longer said "in hushed tones or whispers," Frank said.

"This might not seem like a huge step, but it is a huge step," she said. "The fact that a 'gay pride' banner hangs over the streets of Nyack for a month, this could not happen years ago, and it is shameful that oppression exists in our community and in our country."

Skipper agreed.

"You know, it's still scary that kids are beaten up in school because they're not considered the norm," he said. "I'm hoping that we reach a point where these celebrations are not necessary, that it's considered a part of our society, a part of our makeup."

Skipper praised the upcoming celebration.

"I think it's wonderful that this is taking place here," he said. "I think that gay pride celebrations are an opportunity for people who somehow feel on the outside ... to come together to celebrate who we are and what we're about."

Skipper will impersonate actress Carol Channing during "An Evening With Carol Channing and Friends" on June 12 at Nyack Center.

The week's activities will include art exhibits and a youth night. The celebration will end with a children's carnival, street fair and program featuring addresses by community leaders and performances at Nyack Center, said Michael Segovia, a consultant with the Community Change Project.

New Paltz Mayor Jason West is expected to address the public at the final event about 1:30 p.m., Segovia said.

Send e-mail to Suzan Clarke