May 2023
United We Can
05/31/2023
Dayton Pride - United We Can
Pride season is here and it has never been more important to celebrate PRIDE, to celebrate your authentic self. Today we have mis-guided lawmakers who have placed on the books anti-trans laws in 18 states, 14 with pending legislations, 13 states where they are advancing, and only 6 with no such bills. These types for bills are designed to attempt to legislate trans individuals out of existence. As we all know, that does not happen! We only get louder, stronger, and more visible at the voting polls. It is time to make a stand for all our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters.
With all the publicity that has been given to these laws and protesters of the LGBTQ+ community in other cities, we do anticipate the possibility of additional such people to be present at Dayton PRIDE. Jim Garvey was selected to chair our PRIDE Angels this year. The Angels have been present for the last few years at PRIDE. They are the folks who will stand three feet in front of protesters with three foot tall angel wings on their shoulders to block the view so people do not have to see such protesters. This year it is the goal to have enough angels to totally surround them so they cannot be seen at all. We may hear them, but we won’t have to see them, and music should easily drown them out. These folks should be ignored and not engaged in anyway. This is always the challenge of the angels; they must remain quiet and not engage the protesters no matter what they may say. If this is something you think you could do, please volunteer to help the angels and keep Dayton Pride the friendly family event it has always tried to be. To volunteer to be and angel or join any committee, please email info@daytonLGBTcenter.org or call 937-274-1776.
The theme for Dayton PRIDE 2023 is “United We Can” in which the logo utilizes the intersex inclusive Pride flag to insure all individuals are included as we celebrate together. Dayton Pride has always been about selfaffirmation, dignity, and acceptance of your authentic self, no matter who you are, or who you love, all are welcome to celebrate you.
Our Pride celebration will take place on June 2-4 with the Affair on the Square leading off on June 2nd at Courthouse Square beginning at 6 pm to 10 pm. On Saturday, June 3rd, we begin setting up vendor displays at 9 am with the parade lining up at 10:30 am with the step off promptly at noon. The PRIDE Festival at Courthouse Square begins from Noon to 4 pm June 3th. June 4th, we kick off the day with the Annual “Running with PRIDE: Celebration sponsored by PFLAG. Registration beginning at 7:30 am at Eastwood Metro Park with the race beginning at 9 am. Sign up HERE: https:// runsignup.com/Race/Info/OH/Dayton/RunningwithPride5kRunWalk On June 17th, the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus will present their Annual PRIDE Concert at the Masonic Center at 8 PM.
So a very exciting PRIDE Season is about to unfold. Happy PRIDE!
Pride season is here and it has never been more important to celebrate PRIDE, to celebrate your authentic self. Today we have mis-guided lawmakers who have placed on the books anti-trans laws in 18 states, 14 with pending legislations, 13 states where they are advancing, and only 6 with no such bills. These types for bills are designed to attempt to legislate trans individuals out of existence. As we all know, that does not happen! We only get louder, stronger, and more visible at the voting polls. It is time to make a stand for all our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters.
With all the publicity that has been given to these laws and protesters of the LGBTQ+ community in other cities, we do anticipate the possibility of additional such people to be present at Dayton PRIDE. Jim Garvey was selected to chair our PRIDE Angels this year. The Angels have been present for the last few years at PRIDE. They are the folks who will stand three feet in front of protesters with three foot tall angel wings on their shoulders to block the view so people do not have to see such protesters. This year it is the goal to have enough angels to totally surround them so they cannot be seen at all. We may hear them, but we won’t have to see them, and music should easily drown them out. These folks should be ignored and not engaged in anyway. This is always the challenge of the angels; they must remain quiet and not engage the protesters no matter what they may say. If this is something you think you could do, please volunteer to help the angels and keep Dayton Pride the friendly family event it has always tried to be. To volunteer to be and angel or join any committee, please email info@daytonLGBTcenter.org or call 937-274-1776.
The theme for Dayton PRIDE 2023 is “United We Can” in which the logo utilizes the intersex inclusive Pride flag to insure all individuals are included as we celebrate together. Dayton Pride has always been about selfaffirmation, dignity, and acceptance of your authentic self, no matter who you are, or who you love, all are welcome to celebrate you.
Our Pride celebration will take place on June 2-4 with the Affair on the Square leading off on June 2nd at Courthouse Square beginning at 6 pm to 10 pm. On Saturday, June 3rd, we begin setting up vendor displays at 9 am with the parade lining up at 10:30 am with the step off promptly at noon. The PRIDE Festival at Courthouse Square begins from Noon to 4 pm June 3th. June 4th, we kick off the day with the Annual “Running with PRIDE: Celebration sponsored by PFLAG. Registration beginning at 7:30 am at Eastwood Metro Park with the race beginning at 9 am. Sign up HERE: https:// runsignup.com/Race/Info/OH/Dayton/RunningwithPride5kRunWalk On June 17th, the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus will present their Annual PRIDE Concert at the Masonic Center at 8 PM.
So a very exciting PRIDE Season is about to unfold. Happy PRIDE!
What Pride Means To Me
05/31/2023
by True Hoffman
Pride is what brings all of us together. It transcends the times and lives between the struggles and challenges. It pushes us forward. In times of doubt, pain, and sorrow. Pride is the person in the closet. Who struggles to come out - but still paints rainbows in the spring. Pride is the echo of those we’ve lost - that have paved the way for future generations. Pride is everyone who sees that loving should not come with a judgment. It should come with Acceptance, Gentleness, and Peace. Pride is not banning books. Pride is not eliminating “Gay” from a classroom’s vocabulary. Pride is our lantern - ignited with the spirit of change. Pride is the path that we forge. To being ourselves even in the company of hate. Pride delivers a gift to our hearts. And shifts our souls. Pride is the key to silencing discrimination and damage. Pride is the hug from your parents when they finally accept you. Or the love you give yourself when they don’t. Love and be loved. And share your pride with the world.
Pride is what brings all of us together. It transcends the times and lives between the struggles and challenges. It pushes us forward. In times of doubt, pain, and sorrow. Pride is the person in the closet. Who struggles to come out - but still paints rainbows in the spring. Pride is the echo of those we’ve lost - that have paved the way for future generations. Pride is everyone who sees that loving should not come with a judgment. It should come with Acceptance, Gentleness, and Peace. Pride is not banning books. Pride is not eliminating “Gay” from a classroom’s vocabulary. Pride is our lantern - ignited with the spirit of change. Pride is the path that we forge. To being ourselves even in the company of hate. Pride delivers a gift to our hearts. And shifts our souls. Pride is the key to silencing discrimination and damage. Pride is the hug from your parents when they finally accept you. Or the love you give yourself when they don’t. Love and be loved. And share your pride with the world.