"Pride Not Prejudice" . . .
Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2010 9:23 pm
. . . was the theme of Roanoke's 21st Pride in the Park this year, which was held this past Sunday at Elmwood Park. We had absolutely beautiful weather, with temps around 87F, sunny skies and just enough breeze to keep everyone comfortable - and by all guestimations there were well over 3,000 in attendance this year! 
Our local group, the Ladies of the Blue Ridge Transgender Alliance, represented the 'T' segment, and we shared a double booth with Roanoke TRANSformation, a group for those pre-op, post-op, or considering SRS from MTF or FTM. We had a prime spot, on a slight rise directly across from the stage which gave us great visibility, so much so that we immediately asked for that location next year. We decided to have one booth with the information and buttons, the other was set up with chairs, a coffee table, and outdoor rug. The idea was for people to come in and join the conversation with us, an idea that went over very well.
We had been busy designing and making buttons which were for sale, and we also made 'key fobs' for coil whistle bracelets that Dolly and myself designed. We were handing the whistles out to the crowds, with the recommendation that they 'blow the whistle' for TG equality, which also comes into play below.
The theme was "Pride not Predjudice" and all the people we met seemed to really take that to heart. This was emphasized when Dolly stepped up on the stage and gave some introductory comments about our group, transgender awareness and equality; her statement of note was that the 'T' is no longer silent. She ended with the request to "show your support for TG equality by blowing your whistle!" The sound that arose from all over the park was quite something!!
This year's Pride was very well organized, with Pride organizers busy checking in on each booth, emptying trash containers, and handing out bandaids and other First Aid when needed . . . even if the bandaid was only for a blister due to new shoes (Dolly!).
There were only three uniformed police officers (and the Guardian Angels in full gear) there to handle the crowd, but no disturbances from outsiders as far as I could tell. They all had plenty of time to stand around and enjoy the day - good weather, happy crowds, and wonderful entertainment from FIs and MIs; past, present and newly-crowned Pageant winners, as well as professional entertainers from New York, Tennessee, and California. Virginia handed one officer a whistle, flirting with him that of course, he had a real whistle; he left our booth with a huge smile and a slight blush on his face! 
We established a very real presence this year at Pride in the Park and we were able to emphasize the T in GLBT in a positive and enjoyable way. This positive view was proven over and over again with everyone we met - those that we met while out walking amongst the crowds and those who stopped by our booth, young and old alike.
We are already making plans for next year's Pride, and we hope to become an event sponsor . . . which will give us even more positive exposure to the community.
((Hugs))
- SL (and Virginia)
Our local group, the Ladies of the Blue Ridge Transgender Alliance, represented the 'T' segment, and we shared a double booth with Roanoke TRANSformation, a group for those pre-op, post-op, or considering SRS from MTF or FTM. We had a prime spot, on a slight rise directly across from the stage which gave us great visibility, so much so that we immediately asked for that location next year. We decided to have one booth with the information and buttons, the other was set up with chairs, a coffee table, and outdoor rug. The idea was for people to come in and join the conversation with us, an idea that went over very well.
We had been busy designing and making buttons which were for sale, and we also made 'key fobs' for coil whistle bracelets that Dolly and myself designed. We were handing the whistles out to the crowds, with the recommendation that they 'blow the whistle' for TG equality, which also comes into play below.
The theme was "Pride not Predjudice" and all the people we met seemed to really take that to heart. This was emphasized when Dolly stepped up on the stage and gave some introductory comments about our group, transgender awareness and equality; her statement of note was that the 'T' is no longer silent. She ended with the request to "show your support for TG equality by blowing your whistle!" The sound that arose from all over the park was quite something!!
This year's Pride was very well organized, with Pride organizers busy checking in on each booth, emptying trash containers, and handing out bandaids and other First Aid when needed . . . even if the bandaid was only for a blister due to new shoes (Dolly!).
There were only three uniformed police officers (and the Guardian Angels in full gear) there to handle the crowd, but no disturbances from outsiders as far as I could tell. They all had plenty of time to stand around and enjoy the day - good weather, happy crowds, and wonderful entertainment from FIs and MIs; past, present and newly-crowned Pageant winners, as well as professional entertainers from New York, Tennessee, and California. Virginia handed one officer a whistle, flirting with him that of course, he had a real whistle; he left our booth with a huge smile and a slight blush on his face! We established a very real presence this year at Pride in the Park and we were able to emphasize the T in GLBT in a positive and enjoyable way. This positive view was proven over and over again with everyone we met - those that we met while out walking amongst the crowds and those who stopped by our booth, young and old alike.
We are already making plans for next year's Pride, and we hope to become an event sponsor . . . which will give us even more positive exposure to the community.
((Hugs))
- SL (and Virginia)
