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Tale of Two Letters
Everyone -
I want to share with you two letters to the editor that have appeared regarding PrideFest. To say how proud I am of those others willing to put their name in print to stand up for our organization and cause is an understatement.
The letters appear below.
Warm regards,
John Dawe
Executive Director
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The first letter appeared from the Rev. Daniel C. Gunn, Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Fr. Gunn’s letter appeared in Sunday’s Times Leader:
To the Editor:
When will hate cease to make news? I read your article about the success of Pridefest. In the article you mentioned that “some local churches” had tables at the event, yet you did not name them. However, you went to great lengths to name those who protested the event, and even quoted their hate-filled message. My church was represented at Pridefest. I attended the event. I was there to be a counter-voice to those who condemn any who are unlike themselves. In the future if you are going to quote someone who condemns others using biblical language please provide an equally supportive voice from another person of faith—like someone from the two churches unnamed in your article.
On a similar note, I would like this event to serve as the genesis of a larger conversation within the community about intolerance toward “the other.” I invite dialogue about racial, sexual, and religious difference, and I will open the doors of my church to anyone who wants to have that conversation.
(The Rev’d) Daniel C. Gunn
Rector, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Pro-cathedral
Wilkes-Barre
The second letter is from Mary Rapach of Scranton, and appeared in today’s Citizens’ Voice:
Editor:
I am writing to express my disappointment with the recent coverage of PrideFest 2008, which was so heavily focused on the protesters who were in attendance. I certainly agree that they were a notable part of the event, but to give such weighted attention to the negative aspect of what was, overall, a phenomenal success for the LGBTQ community in NEPA is terribly unfortunate — and certainly not an accurate portrayal of this spectacular day of celebration.
The group of closed-minded individuals who drove so far to protest certainly illustrated how essential the concept and execution of a Pride Event is, as it shows those who were previously unaware the sort of hatred and backlash so many queer Pennsylvanians have become accustomed to. However, this was the first time in our lives any of us have had the opportunity to witness such a large group of LGBTQ individuals celebrating openly here in Northeast PA, and the positive expression of self was overwhelmingly inspirational to those in attendance.
My wife and I ran the children and family activities tent, and I was saddened that no news organization took note of the large family presence that day — including not only those who’d come specifically for the event and those who’d just come for a day in the park and stayed to enjoy the festivities. Having spent eight hours painting the faces of children throughout the day, I was lucky to run into dozens of happy youngsters, enjoying music and fun with their parents, not “gay” parents or “straight” parents — simply… PARENTS. The highlight for me, and for many, was not the angry voice of several naysayers, but the sight of two young sisters skipping from the activities tent with a box of toys in their hand, reveling in their victory over the “super-hard” scavenger hunt which encouraged them not only to meet new people but to learn new things (based on the fact boards on the walkway) about Kirby Park, its founders and its home city.
Certainly there is much more that can be said about an event that celebrates diversity and helps reinforce the childish glee of a day at the park.
I suppose I should be happy with any coverage of the event at all. However, I don’t think we could ever be truly satisfied until our community event receives the same level of press and positive coverage as any other festival held in NEPA.
Until those who were not in attendance can understand the reality of ALL aspects of queer life (including gay parents celebrating with happy, excited children), my fear is that we all will be forever seen as a group of individuals worthy of protesting.
While I appreciate the CV’s presence in the event I hope that, for future events, more focus can be placed on the positive aspect of community pride and less focused on those individuals whose lives are spent trying to destroy it.
Mary F. Rapach
Scranton