May 2012
Official OKC Gay Pride Guide
Marchers carry a banner in the 2011 Parade announcing the dates of this year’s festivities.
Page 15
Photo by Taylor H. Brunwald
Days of festivities planned OKC Pride partnering with several organizations “Proud. Strong. United.” That’s the theme for this year’s OKC Pride Week celebration. It’s also the platform on which OKC Pride has organized its events to provide 10 full days of activities for the community. OKC Pride has established partnerships with the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association (OGRA), Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Norman (PFLAG of Norman), Cimarron Alliance, Expressions and Church of the Open Arms. Each organization will play a role in one or more of the activities available during Pride Week, which is officially May 18-27. “We believe in strength through unity. We realize OKC Pride has several like-minded organizations right here in the metro. While the specific mission from group to group may vary somewhat, the ultimate goal of providing service to the LGBT community is true for all of our partner organizations involved in Pride Week,” said Matt Harney, OKC Pride board member. The OKC Pride Festival will take place on Saturday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown OKC’s Film Exchange District (a.k.a. Film Row). Film Row is located between Dewey and Shartel on Sheridan and is just two blocks west of the new Devon tower. Festival Co-Chair Jeremy Crites said, “The Pride Festival is mov-
ing to downtown Oklahoma City to increase our visibility. Twentyfive years ago, we were fighting for the right to gather on our own turf without harassment or police raids. This year, we’ll be in the heart of the city because, as American citizens, we deserve and demand full equality everywhere and in every way. We hope that having a downtown venue in addition to our traditional parade venue on the Strip will draw a broader audience and let us better fulfill our mission of raising awareness for both the gay and straight community.” The family-friendly Festival will feature a variety of local musicians and entertainers throughout the day. OKC Pride volunteer & entertainment organizer Patsy Gillispie said, “Our goal was to recruit bands strategically so we could offer a little something for everyone. We achieved that goal, hands down.” An entire entertainment line-up is finalized and available at OKCPride.org. Festival-goers can browse the exhibits of nonprofit groups for information and resources as well as purchase an assortment of food, beverages and merchandise. Pride officials are encouraging everyone to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the entertainment. As with any major event, no ice chests or large stowing devices will be al(Please see “Festivities” on Page 21)