So, I hear all the time that there is too much division in the GLBT community.  Not enough participation, not enough dedication, not enough, not enough, not enough.  We fight within, because we don't take the time to listen to the community...we think we're doing what's right, but we're really doing what's right for us.  I do it all the time.  I'm guilty of selfish motives...but I also believe that we, as a WHOLE community, have a right to celebrate who we are...EVERY YEAR...

So, that being said, let's talk about Pride...let me eliminate the rumor mill once and for all.  Lincoln Pride Committee cancelled pride events scheduled for June 2nd.  They all had too much going on in their personal lives to manage a volunteer event that takes a LOT of time and effort.  They published the cancellation in the paper, making it an incredibly public announcement.

When I heard that Pride was cancelled, I felt pulled to try to get it back on.  I asked people around me, people I am friends with, and people I know in several sects of the community...and all agreed that they felt saddened by the cancellation...and confused about how it could just be called off.  That was enough fodder for my fire!  I called, through a public announcement, a meeting to find out just how many people were interested in still trying to hold a Pride celebration.  The reaction was overwhelming to me.  We formed a make shift committee, filed our paperwork with the City of Lincoln, and headed off on the short and constrained journey to pull something off.  We called for artists, musicians, public speakers and community volunteers.  I spoke with the two Gay Bar owners in Lincoln to utilize the venues.  We decided we could pull off 3 smaller events easier than one big one. And we began to try to raise funds.  In the last 6 weeeks, we've been fairly sucessful. 

Our decision to move pride to July has had a very positive response, as much of our community likes to travel to other cities to celebrate as well.  We're working together with Nebraska Pride/Rainbow Celebrations, we've established relationships with key people in the city, and are moving forward to put on Star City Pride 2007.

The big question posed, from the community and Lincoln Pride Committee is whether we intend to plan an event for 2008.  At this point, I don't have an answer for that.  I can say that August 6th is our "official" board of directors meeting, at which time officers will be officially elected, and the organization will make those key decisions.  If you would like to be part of that process...or just want to put in your two cents worth, be sure and attend that meeting.  It will be held at the Panic on August 6th, 7:00pm. 

The separation of this community is you...and me...and he...and she...if we work together, to share our ideas, our dreams, our hopes and our celebrations, we all benefit.  When we (I) decide what's good for everyone, I'm just asking people to fight against me.  This isn't about me...it's about you.  You, the community.  You, my friends.  You...the people that WANT to get together and share that fragment of commonality...UNITY starts with YOU...

Peace 

Don't forget about KARAOKE Saturday nights!!! 

Join me in the Panic basement Saturday Night for the "Be your own ROCKSTAR" party!!!

 See you there....

Tami