Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Why Won't Lesbian Herstory Archives Join Pride This Year?

Let's get real about what LGBT Pride marches and celebrations in San Francisco, New York and a few other cities, have become. Parties certainly, vehicles for corporations to tap into the gay market and wallet, opportunities for straight and LGBT politicians to softly seek votes and donations, and political agendas that extend only from joining the military, marriage rights and ignore social justice concerns.

I laud the Lesbian Herstory Archives of New York City for opting out of participating in the Big Apple's huge Pride March. The women who made this decision are heroines of the highest homo order and we need more of them. Here's the email the group circulated today:

Due to the shift away from contingent-based groupings, the increased commercialization of the LGBT Pride March, and the diminishing interest of members of our communities in this event as reflected in fewer marchers each year behind the banner, the Lesbian Herstory Archives has decided not to officially participate in the Sunday June 28th Lesbian and Gay Pride March [in Manhattan].

We will be celebrating pride by taking part in the Brooklyn Pride Parade on Saturday June 13th, starting at twilight, and the Dyke March on Saturday June 27th, starting at 5 pm.

 Come March with us! Come help spread the word about the Archives! Happy Pride to all!

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