The Virginian-Pilot
©
NORFOLK
Jay Stern grew up in Hampton Roads, so he knows it wasn't always easy to be gay here. But, bit by bit, it's getting much better.
Take Sunday's Out in the Park festival. Thousands of people flocked to Norfolk's Town Point Park for food, entertainment and a celebration of diversity.
"Everybody seems to be coming out," Stern said, then laughed. "No pun intended."
This was the 23rd time the festival has been held by Hampton Roads Pride, an organization devoted to promoting and uniting the local gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
It started as a small picnic and grew steadily until Chesapeake City Park, where it was held the past five years, could no longer contain the crowds, said James Hermansen-Parker, president of the organization.
This year, the festival moved to the waterside park overlooking both the city and the Elizabeth River. It's a bigger place, attendees said, and it's another source of pride for the city's gay community.
"Instead of being in a park where you can't see it, it's out in the open now," said Keenan DeBurns of Norfolk, his arm around his partner, Nate Given.
"It's a big step," Given added.
Thunderstorms threatened to derail the event, but just as the festival began, the rain disappeared.
Vendors sold jewelry and artwork alongside rainbow memorabilia, cheesesteaks and fries. The Hampton Roads Men's Chorus sang a medley including "Lady Marmalade" and "Maybe This Time" from the musical "Cabaret." The DC Cowboys danced, and decorated boats sailed in a parade past the water's edge.
Organizers said they want people in Hampton Roads to see the gay and lesbian community as part of their community, and the event as one just like any other.
"It looks like any festival downtown, but with more rainbow flags flying about," said Bill Calvert of Norfolk, whose boat sported an inflatable parrot, palm tree and flamingo.
De Sube, coordinator of the new LGBT Center at Access AIDS Care in Norfolk, said the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" is helping more people in this heavily military area come out of the closet. And more people feel comfortable coming to the festival, she said.
Stern, a designer for Norfolk Florist, a vendor at Out in the Park, said, for a time, his partner didn't want to live here because it was too difficult being gay in conservative Virginia. Now, he says, it's different, and they want to stay.
"It's great," Stern said. "And it's the way it should be."
Elisabeth Hulette, (757) 222-5216, elisabeth.hulette@pilotonline.com
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I was photographing a
I was photographing a military wedding at the Half Moone on June 5th. The groom requested a photo next to the Homecoming statue in Town Point Park. This couple spent over a year planning their special day and over $20,000. The groom (a purple heart recepient) was dressed in full dress blues. While attempting to take the picture several groups attending the festival were screaming obscenities at the couple, it was terrible. I know that one day our local gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community will have the right to marry; I just can't believe the terrible verbal abuse this couple had to endure. The LGBT wants acceptance,and they deserve it 100%, but shouldn't they also accept those that aren't a part of their community?
Out in the Park on Sunday was amazing!
But Hampton Roads still has a long way to go. Acceptance means more than merely tolerating others who might be different - or belatedly allowing them use of a venue such as Town Point Park. Things such as employment non-discrimination protections, the elimination of state constitutional bans on any legal recognition of the relationships of same sex couples, and an end to religious based bigotry would go a long way to evidence true acceptance of members of the LGBT community in Virginia and Hampton Roads. Until these things happen, LGBT citizens will not be fully accepted. Moreover, LGBT victims of discrimination should not be blamed for their nonacceptance by those who enjoy privileges and protections that we are denied.
Separate communities...separate lives
The gay and lesbian community will be 'accepted' when that same community realizes that they're already part of the greater community and are also currently accepted.
The only community that perceives itself to be unaccepted is the one created by themselves. Not many people really care anymore.
It's only when effeminate men dressed as cowboys sing showtunes that people take notice and express disagreement, but isn't that what combative types want? As long as those same combatives run the movement, the two communities will never become one.
You're accepted, as long as....
I do hope you realize the irony that you created in your statements. You state that gays/lesbians will “be accepted” when they realize that they are “already” accepted. You then go on to state in your last two sentences reasons for which they will “not” be accepted. So which is it? And just who are the combative ones? The people that are acting as themselves (gays) or those straights that are demanding that all gays live up to their own narrow set of behavioral standards while denying the same legal abilities that they themselves enjoy?
A wonderful Peaceful event
What a great day it was. Thousands of people, no apparent trouble like some other events have. People generally getting along and having a good time. It was very well organized.
It was great to see so many families there as well. The children were well behaved and were still having fun.
Hampton Roads has come a long way
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