Gay Pride, Police Raids & Millions Of Gays On The March

This weekend was certainly one to remember. 40 years ago, the Stonewall riots broke out in New York City. Even though many gays fought for equality long before that, Stonewall was a turning point for the LGBT movement toward equal rights. In 2009, we're still fighting.

To start on a positive note, a gay pride event was held in Denton TX for the first time in many years. Numerous organizations have been to Denton before, some even as far back as the 70's with some statewide conferences. The Stonewall Democrats of Denton County, an organization barely two years old, took it upon itself to honor their namesake, the Stonewall riots. An opening mixer at the town's only gay bar, Mable Peabody's Beauty Shop & Chainsaw Repair (yes that is the name), hosted 60 people with the courage to actually sign Stonewall's list, and many more of the regular patrons. Saturday saw an event at Trinity Presbyterian Church, showing a documentary, discussion panel, etc. with another 40 people. The city itself even agreed to proclaim June 27, 2009 as "Denton LGBT Pride Day", showing how far we have indeed come.

But since LGBT people still have a ways to go, organizers held a nationwide event - the Million Gay March for Equality, held in at least 10 states on June 28. At least 1000 people marched in Dallas in the 105 degree heat, to express their frustration with the slow pace to equality.

On a negative note, we got word that a gay club in Fort Worth was raided. It had only been open for one week, and the Fort Worth police department chose Saturday evening to arrest people at the Rainbow Lounge for public intoxication. We don't know about you, but typically people drink at bars, correct? And many are intoxicated-- in public! Apparently TABC officers in Texas can do this now. But why would you choose the GAY BAR on the 40th anniversary of Stonewall?? Seems a little suspect. Maybe Fort Worth wants its own riot to drum up tourism dollars? That CAN be arranged, Cow Town.

All in all, 40 years later, some has changed and a lot remains the same. But if people remain silent and sit at home on their hands, then nothing changes. Remember that when you remember Stonewall.