page 4 - Out in the Mountains

 

" Tgday l Sl’i0L/ box/5 ‘.'b0\/3 and 9iYi9 égiwrls  I’

Is This Any Way to Run a March?

On Thursday, January 15. seven
members from the lesbian/gay community,
primarily from the greater Burlington area,
met for- the first planning meeting for
Lesbian/Gay Pride - June, 1987.

Much of the discussion during the
evening centered around whether or not to
have the annual lesbian/gay pride march this
year. Those gathered for the meeting
expressed disappointment more people did
not attend. This would be the fifth year for
Vermont’s Lesbian/Gay Pride March.

People that have been involved in past
lesbian/gay pride events talked of how much
energy is needed to successfully pull off
Pride weekend. Many, many hours of work
usually falls on a few people. Veterans of
past marches are being very cautious about
making commitments for the possible events

that may take place this June/87.
These guarded observations’ shouldn't

discourage people that feel lesbian/gay
pride in Vermont is an important

event. There has been some debate whether
there is a need for the march at all.
Concerns were expressed about the "same
old thing" by the "same old crowd." But
others at the meeting felt the march should
be planned. For many lesbians and gay men
wanting to participate in pride weekend for
the first time, this "coming out" event can
have a very important impact on their lives.
Is the possible lack of interest from the
lesbian/gay community concerning pride
weekend enough to deny those that need
the boost of celebrating our lives? The
question this year seems to be whether or
not we are going to send a message to all
the citizens of Vermont that we are not
going away - even after the vicious attacks
we all suffered during the recent ERA
campaign?

The consensus at this first meeting was
to move ahead with plans for Lesbian/Gay
Pride/87. (Possible date could be Saturday.
June 20”‘). However. if people want the
march to happen, more than seven people
will gig; to participate in the planning
process. We need your ideas and energy for
such things as a theme, slogan(s), events
around the march, speakers. etc.
Lesbian/Gay Pride in Vermont can happen.
The 1937 Lesbianfliay Brigg Qrganjzjng
amt; (not affiliated with XLQR, the
sponsors of the last three Pride weekends),
invites all to share your talents and interesm.
Next meeting: Feb. 2, Monday, 7:30 p.m.,
Peace and Justice Center.

Please join us.

Submitted by Philip Roberts