| Author |
Message |
    
Johnjdel
| | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2001 - 12:48 am: |     |
Gerry,
Wow. Right on. |
Bobk
| | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2001 - 6:48 am: | |
Go for it folks, if you think you can get a good turnout.
Somehow, I don't think that the gays and lesbians that I know here in Maplewood/South Orange are the type to really let it all hang out like the Halloween parade in the Village or the SF Gay Pride events....but, give it a try.
Or am I missing the point?
As an aside, when I was still young, midwestern and suburban I climbed out of the subway during the Halloween parade in the Village without knowing what was going on. Shocked? Maybe, but everyone seemed to be having a real good time.
 |
Mck
| | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2001 - 7:05 am: | |
Bacata: I read Goodoldays post as meaning, Why do we want something like that (an event tinged with sex) on the east side of Maplewood? Can't you understand how someone could think that would be the nature of the event? Anyway, you've put out your share of sarcasm on this board, and I don't think anyone has gotten huffy over your style with you. That's the nature of give and take in a free society. I don't have an identity or cause so cherished that I feel that I have to stifle someone else who doesn't share it. I get mad, but, sticks and stones and all that. How do you feel about seizing newspapers that print something you don't like? That has happened on some college campuses recently. Students felt offended by some printed material and thought that they should not have to "tolerate" it. |
Soda
| | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2001 - 9:27 am: | |
Jerry- My post wasn't addressed to anyone in particular, but rather it posited the question of gay&lesbian political power in our towns -- an issue I've never seen addressed in a cohesive way. If, as has been asserted in the NYT, SO/M are communities which have been "discovered" by the rainbow, it's no great jump of logic to see a political force of some strength waiting in the wings.
Any takers? |
Nilmiester
| | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2001 - 11:42 am: | |
The democratic party is already in power town and has been for a while. Do you see a new party forming? If so good luck, it's an uphill battle. |
Bix
| | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2001 - 2:38 pm: | |
I hear the Very Silly Party has a groundswell of support. |
Mem
| | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2001 - 4:02 pm: | |
The party I invented and just joined is the "Party" party. And it's a downhill battle. All are welcome. |
Dave
| | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2001 - 5:44 pm: | |
Bix, they have the support of the Consulate of Silly Walks. (now, let's hope the thread can return to its original purpose)... |
Cfa
| | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2001 - 8:26 pm: | |
Thanks Dave |
Greenetree
| | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2001 - 11:24 pm: | |
So- Bobk has a good point in terms of what kind of event we would like this to be.
It is true that any event needs an identity and a target audience (the BBQ crowd, the artsy crowd, the festival crowd, the family crowd, the club crowd, etc). Being a 'gay' event isn't necessarily enough to make folks show up. This is, I guess, the 'down side' to living in a community where we are accepted and comfortable.
Any thoughts ? Anyone want to commit to attending a meeting to figure it out ? |
Nakaille
| | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2001 - 11:48 pm: | |
Greenetree, sounds good to me. I checked on the local gay families listserv. There's definitely support altho no one is jumping up and down to be the lead organizer. Maybe we could borrow a room at the library for a meeting? Or...?
Bacata |
Cfa
| | Posted on Sunday, March 25, 2001 - 9:08 am: | |
Bacata and Greenetree,
That is definitely the way to proceed with this. As I offered in a previous post, we can meet here to discuss. I'll even throw in refreshments!
e-mail me at MaplewoodPride@aol.com if interested in joining the committee. |
Thetruth07040
| | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2001 - 5:41 pm: | |
Well, I guess I should weigh in on this. I'm not quite sure how my suggestion for a 4th of July Celebration on the east side got turned into a Gay Pride celebration in Dehart, but it's a bit more interesting than the aforementioned turtle races.
Funny that I don't hear any folks arguing to have it on the west side like they did for the 4th. Just a question though: If someone suggested a white pride day or a heterosexual pride day or a family values day or a Haitian pride day would it be as welcome.
Please don't rail me over this. I have no problem with gay folks. As a musician and artist, many of my associates and friends are gay. I just have mixed feelings about the value or impact of this sort of event.I also am not in favor of a government agency funding or directly supporting any particular special interest function of any kind.
But I'll support the right to hold the event regardless of where it is. I just hope it doesn't conflict with my cook out! |
Nakaille
| | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2001 - 6:27 pm: | |
I've been thinking about the very question you raise, 07040. Here's the thing about gay pride from my point of view. If you are white or black or asian or Irish or Italian, generally you grow up in a family that is, also. Your identity is given legitimacy by the people around you, who share it. Even if in a particular historical context your group is ostracized, you still have your parents as role models, your aunts and uncles as supports. You look in the mirror and you see reflected an image of the same people who have nurtured you and explained the world to you.
On the other hand, if you reach adolescence (or whenever) and you realize you are gay (and you realize how badly damaged your new identity is even if you never do anything with it because who hasn't heard the faggot taunts, etc.,) how do you deal with the identity issues? You are probably terrified to tell your parents what you think you are. Will they hate you? Beat you? Tell you you're crazy? Disown you? How do you tell your friends?
So gay pride has a very important psychological aspect for most of us. It is an affirmation of ourselves and one another in a way we can rarely get from our families or the larger community. It is a way and place to be safely open about who we are, instead of cowering in fear that someone will discover us and heap retribution on us. That's why having someone like Vic or Jerry offer to help and invite themselves to be with us is so meaningful (and powerful) to someone like me.
Please come and join us. We're really "just folks."
Bacata |
Maplewoody
| | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2001 - 9:26 pm: | |
How about getting in touch with the South Mountain Neighbors' group? They have many members that live in the area, and some may want to help organize or attend the event. Also, the gay student group at Columbia High & Seton Hall could be contacted, and invited to participate & attend.
A suggestion is to have Gay Pride Day in Maplewood on the last Saturday in June, as not to interfere with NYC's GP parade the following day.
Count me in, along with my partner and two dogs in attending the party! I may invite some friends from NYC and elsewhere in NJ to attend. This can be a great PR tool for our charming town. |
Cfa
| | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2001 - 9:28 pm: | |
Truth,
Since I'm the one who started this thread, I can say that it wasn't your suggestion regarding the 4th that prompted me to start this. I suggested this sort of thing last year to no avail. I personally don't care if it's held on the eastside, westside, northside, southside or anywhere in between.
You say in your post "I just have mixed feelings about the value or impact of this sort of event."
The value or impact on whom?
Also, I think that everyday is white day. African American month is widely celebrated and if there were a Haitian, Asian or any other ethnic celebration, I'm sure it would be just as welcomed. Speaking for myself, I attend most festivals in Manhattan no matter what group is hosting it. I think it's great to be exposed to all cultures and lifestyles.
This festival will not be like Manhattan. I'm sure it'll be more tasteful and suitable for all to attend.
As Bacata said "Please come and join us" |
Thetruth07040
| | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2001 - 11:23 pm: | |
cfa: Everyday is white day? Really?
In answer to your question, I DO have questions about the value and impact of this event on the town, the neighborhood. I have been to the gay pride event in both New York and San Francisco and it is more about being a spectacle than a cultural event. You have every right in the world to want the event and I have every right to have questions.
That being said, I may very well help out with the event or "come join you". |
Nakaille
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 - 5:09 am: | |
I don't know about anyone else but I don't envision any kind of "spectacle." "Spectacles" of all sorts are readily available elsewhere for anyone interested in participating or viewing same. I was frankly taken aback by Mck's earlier reference to a "sexually tinged" event. While I have been to my share of parades, etc, in NYC I guess I've been surrounded by suburban gay families too long (lol.) It never occurred to me to worry about people arriving in "en masque" or costumeless altogether.
I envision a nice daytime event of families and singles of any sexual preference to simply have a good time together, talking, eating, playing games, listening to music, perhaps buying something from some vendors.
So that's my vision. What visions do others have of this "event?"
Bacata |
Mck
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 - 7:08 am: | |
Nakaille: My old friends (women, that is) and I quit going to the NY pride parade years ago because the raunch factor became so dominant. Of course a Maplewood event would be nothing like that! But the parades, in general, are famous for spectacle. I thought it was naive of all of you to be shocked and offended at Goodoldays comment.
By the way, I'm not crazy about the idea of identity festivals of any kind in the two towns. I like events that bring people together, all kinds of people, around mutual interests and goals. We're not in NY anymore. Besides, a hot June day, and I'm in a public park that prohibits cold beer? Forget it. |
Cfa
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 - 7:35 am: | |
Truth,
Thanks for your comments. They're well taken, but I don't envision this event as being a spectacle. I, like Bacata, envision this being a nice event for families and singles of all races and orientations. I'm NOT envisioning gay men wearing thongs, drag queens, lesbians who are topless, etc. I think the gay population that we have here in Maplewood/South Orange can leave that sort of stuff for Manhattan and San Francisco.
Do I like to watch the parade in Manhattan? Of course! Would I like to see that sort of thing in Maplewood? Definitely NOT.
Again, your help and/or appearance are greatly welcomed!
|
Njjoseph
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 - 9:14 am: | |
I haven't added my voice to this topic yet, but I'm definitely interested in it. I don't want to become a leader, but I will help organize what I can.
Although I noticed a bit of tone in Truth's statement, I must say that I agree in part. I haven't posted here yet because I haven't figured out what this type of festival should entail. I, too, don't think a parade is what we're talking about.
However, I am thinking about renting out a park for a day, having some of our gay and gay-friendly friends and neighbors involved in: performing, displaying art, jewelry, etc., setting up tables for AIDS/HIV awareness (possibly the pride center would be involved), having volleyball or softball games, a picnic with races, etc. I haven't spent a summer here yet, and don't know all the rules, but is it possible we could rent the pool after hours for two hours or so for a swim, or a cocktail party or dance?
The possibilities are endless, and I'm not yet sure what has a good chance of working or not working. I understand Red Bank does something similar, so maybe a few of us can go down sometime and survey the situation? Also, I'm not sure if we can realistically put something together for the end of June, as it's just 3 months away. |
Bobk
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 - 1:48 pm: | |
Oh shucks!! Here I was hoping that the local Gay and Lesbian communities were going to put on a mini-version of the Gay Pride celebrations in places like NYC and San Francisco and let it all hang out. I guess it ain't going to be like that.
Let's see, a lot of couples, reasonably conservative in dress and manner, a lot of kids, dogs and cats. Uhm....Guess the local Gay and Lesbian community is just like everyone else. |
Cfa
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 - 7:04 pm: | |
Njjoseph:
Excellent ideas. I especially like the cocktail party at the pool idea. I'm not sure that'll be allowed since I don't think they would want the liability of drinking and swimming.
I setup an e-mail address if you'd like to respond . It's MaplewoodPride@aol.com
I suggested to Bacata to pick a day for a meeting and let's get it started. A Sunday afternoon or evenings during the week is good for me. |
Gerardryan
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 - 11:25 pm: | |
Afterhours pool rentals for swimming are out; no underwater lights, which would be required. Also no alcoholic beverages at the pool... |
Cfa
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 4, 2001 - 8:28 pm: | |
There will be a meeting to discuss plans for a Gay Pride day in Maplewood. The meeting will be held Sunday, April 29th at 7:00 p.m. at our home. If anyone is interested in attending, please e-mail me at MaplewoodPride@aol.com. I will then e-mail you the address. So far, 7 people have shown interest. I hope we can get a lot more.
Again, EVERYONE is welcome to attend! |
Austinpowers
| | Posted on Friday, April 27, 2001 - 1:25 am: | |
No underwater lights? Oh, dear! Behave!!!! Know what I mean? So when's the big day? Or average day? Talk to me, baby! |
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