2023 PRIDE Guide

JUNE 2023

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Presented by

Out On The Lakeshore

JUNE 2023 Hello and welcome to Holland’s 20th PRIDE! Holland’s first Pride celebrations were quiet. LGBTQ+ folks and allies gathered together with very little fanfare. They hosted speakers and held film screenings in the hopes of making this community a safer place to live. They gathered together in spite of opposition.

They gathered together in spite of open hostility. They gathered because they knew that LGBTQ+ people were here in Holland, and they deserved a place to feel safe, seen, and heard.

Out On The Lakeshore and Holland PRIDE have grown significantly since that time.

We are not quiet anymore. We have a year-round Community Center where LGBTQ+ folks and allies can seek support and community. We host an annual PRIDE Festival at Centennial Park, out in the open and vibrantly visible. That visibility is thanks to the tireless work of the people who hosted Holland’s first Pride events, and who fought for our right to be heard. I am so proud to work with an organization with such a powerful history, and I am so excited to see where we will go. We have come so far, and there is still work to be done. All of you here today are part of that progress. The fact that you are here celebrating with us is a testament to your bravery, compassion, empathy, and, most importantly, your capacity for joy.

To our sponsors and community partners: we are deeply grateful for your support.To the allies here with us today: your presence is so important. To the LGBTQ+ community: you are loved and celebrated.

Happy Pride, friends! Thank you all for celebrating with us. We’re so glad you’re here.

Now let’s have some fun!

Kate Leighton-Colburn She, her, hers Executive Director Out On The Lakeshore

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Out On The Lakeshore 451 Columbia Ave., Holland Our MISSION is to provide a constant source of support and understanding to the LGBTQ community of the greater Holland area.

We seek to create a community in which all persons are afforded equal rights and opportunities.

Our VISION is a community that welcomes all people. It is our desire that all forms of discrimination are removed in order to create a safe, open, and accepting environment for the LGBTQ community. We strive to provide the education, events and resources necessary to foster understanding, and to advocate within Holland for a community that accepts and embraces all.

outonthelakeshore.org

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Tier 2 Sponsors

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Holland LGBTQ+ History Did you know...

Holland has an extensive LBGTQ+ history!

Check it out on the Out On The Lakeshore website.

holland

www.outonthelakeshore.org/about/

Shop.

Sip. Dine.

Explore.

Downtown Holland. downtownholland.com 10

PRIDE Poem

by Elijah Maat Amidst a world of rules and norms we abide, Love’s expression is often forced to hide, But love is love, no matter who Gender, race, or shade of hue Rainbows stretch across the sky A symbol of love that never dies In every color, shade, and hue Love is love, and it’s always true Society tries to bring us down With hate and discrimination all around They say we can’t love who we choose And try to make us feel like we’re destined to lose But we won’t let them make us frown We’ll stand tall and be proud, never back down We’ll say it loud and clear Love is love, and we’re all equal here We’ll celebrate our diversity And break the chains of hate together, you’ll see We’ll stand up against discrimination and strive And fight for love and equality in our life From the streets to the halls of power We’ll keep marching on, hour after hour We’ll never give up, we’ll never give in Love is love, and we’ll always win.

t4t

by Ash Hendricks i fell in love with a boy named after the sun. he dances on my skin the way old lovers do, a reminder, a way to say, i am here & we are alive. our life, together, is everything, but make-believe. like the smell of freshly-cut sunflowers, his smile followed me when i left the city. the sky was made of purples & oranges, do you remember when we made those our colors? we were laid down in the back seat of your car. i couldn’t see your face, but i knew you were smiling. a part of me stayed when i left the city, i’ve found my reason to come home.

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Celebrating Pride Month 2023

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Ones, Zeroes, and Twos

by Emily Ferrin Binary Cold and calculated It bruises, and misconstrues Static ones and zeroes Duality Many persons have said, quote, “There’s only two genders” Did they forget the rules?

What are such rules?

Confusion and uncertainty at best Full of malice and hatred at worst Not gifted the glasses of perception A curse emplacing blame, deception Just what are we?

PURE BARRE

every body

everybody

We, who are all fluid human beings, Two-spirit, asexual, what have you Dynamic in existence, living things, follow no laws but to exist, true Do we matter?

For in this world, we aren’t numbers, Nor objects, demons, imps, or monsters We carry letters that create words; L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, and plus I will leave you with this; This poem shan’t follow rules, And neither should any of you Because you see, numbers are flawed And so are the bigots’ points of view. :)

holland@purebarre.com 616.377.7253

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NON-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE ORDINANCE #1784, ADOPTED AUGUST 19, 2020

It is the intent of the city that no individual be denied

EQUAL PROTECTION of the laws,

of their

CIVIL RIGHTS or be discriminated

nor shall an individual be denied the enjoyment against because of: • • • • • • • •

age

race

national origin color

disability

education

familial status sex

• • • • • • • •

sexual orientation

gender expression gender identity height

marital status religion

source of income weight

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You are loved.

You belong.

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PURPLE—PMS 2602 GREEN—PMS 363 RED—PMS 485 GOLD—PMS 124

“CAN ANYONE WITHHOLD THE WATER WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIR

VOL. 2, NO. 2 WINTER 2012

Supporting, Educating, Master Final Advocating ...

The

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CE Wiers | Hedgehog Arts Letters for full & inclusion of LGBT Lessons from the Peop persons06.09.2011 in the Reformed Church in America

Inside this issue: FROM THE BOARD: Cyndi Boertje

We

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BOARD ELECTIONS, 3 DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Progressive and Contemplative Spirit

celebrate unity and

diversity!

Inclusive and Welcoming Community

THE ABC’S of SEXUALITY: Stacey Midge

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CRC ADVOCATES FORM “ALL ONE BODY”

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A CLOSER LOOK AT 6,7 THE RfA ROSTER “BUILDIING AN INCLUSIVE CHURCH” EVENTS PLANNED

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We’ve been thinking [we’ve been th something to be learned from the “P

You probably heard it in news reports about t or perhaps participated yourself: One person and then waits until everyone nearby echoes, speaker calls out the first short phrase of what accurate, unison repeat, and so forth until the crowd. At that point, if someone questions th represents the values of the larger movement, express the concern—again, waiting for the re

While this method is suited to large outdoor g contains elements of one-on-one methods of a in counseling or recommend in situations of c understand and empathize by listening carefu heard the other person say to make sure you h or opinion before going on.

In a recent radio interview about the “People’

people to be participatory, to listen, to unde others are depending on you, so you pay atte before you start thinking about your own res

See how you can join us at Biblical and Contemporary Preaching A proud member of Room for All: the open and affirming movement of the RCA HopeChurchRCA.org 8 MEMBER TO MEMBER: Bob Mutch REGIONAL GROUP ACTIVITIES

77 W. Eleventh Street Holland, MI 49423

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Master Final

Hope Church RCA

CE Wiers | Hedgehog Arts & Letters 06.09.2011

ROOM FOR ALL

| 77 West 11 th Street, Holland, MI 49423 | (616) 392 . 7947

P.O Box 11495 Albany NY 12211 (201) 364-4538 info@roomforall.com

77 West 11th Street, Holland, MI 49423 | HopeChurchRCA.org | (616) 392 . 7947

HCR-1301_HollandAreaPridePOSTCARD.indd 1

How many times have we engaged in a conver LGBTQ inclusion pushes our buttons becaus forming a rebuttal while that person is still tal understand the story behind the feelings, we c in the first place.

At “Building an Inclusive Church” training ev to engage someone who disagrees by hearing t to listen. Of course it’s easier said than done may never agree on anything except that we d conversations would serve the church if we tri grace to do a “mic check” in the RCA, becau

“BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE CH COMING TO Y SEE PA

6/12/13 10:09 AM

check out our special events on the second Saturday of every month

Globe Master Final Design & Vision

CE Wiers | Hedgehog Arts Letters 49&East 8th St - Downtown Holland 06.09.2011 616-394-9103 Mon-Sat 11am-5pm

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Green Carnations

by Ethan Johnson A poppy was my first love.

Bright. Loud. Ruby red.

It wasn’t for my bouquet though.

She ended up being more of a Violet.

My current love is a Lily of The Valley.

Tall. Strong. Yet- delicate.

Beautiful in every way.

She always blooms most during spring.

Probably my favorite season.

Secretly one of my favorite flowers is the green carnation.

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A pansy.

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First Saturday: 4pm - 6pm AND Third Friday: 6PM - 8PM

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What This Means to Me by: Amelia This means I can show my true colors This means I can’t be stopped This means I can have hope Hope for a better future Hope that we will change the world Hope means that we will become stronger Stronger to protect the weak Stronger to keep up Stronger to stand up for ourselves Griffin Mcelroy once said, “You’re going to be amazing”

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Your story matters.

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Proudly Supports Holland Pride www.firstlike.social

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LOVE

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Samaritas is proud to welcome foster families from all walks of life no matter what age, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Samaritas.org/FosterCare

First United Methodist Church of Holland

We see you We love you God loves you

@fumcholland 28

www.fumcholland.org | (616) 396-5205 57 W. 10th St., Holland, MI 49423

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PROUD to be a

PARTNER of

HOLLAND PRIDE bizstream.com

MAKE YOUR OWN CANDLE

Visit our candle studio and see what amazing creations you can come up with from our 90+ scent options. Perfect for date night, family time, a night out with friends or team building events!

You can also shop our full fragrance collection, excellent gifts, and more!

LGBTQ+ owned and operated.

210 S River Ave. 616-287-3444 garsnettbeacon.com

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ur journey, o y r e v te a h W r you. we’re here fo

pinerest.org

First Presbyterian Church is a More Light congregation of the PC(USA).

More Light Presbyterians is a non-profit organization dedicated to allowing the full participation of LGBTQIA+ people in life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society.

You are welcome here, and you are loved.

Join us for worship at 10 am on Sunday mornings.

Pastors: Cathy Caldwell Hoop and Paul Van Kempen

We are worshipping, serving and living, with a fresh vision of God’s vibrant energy and grace for all.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 659 State St., Holland, Michigan 49423 // (616) 392 -9022 // office@fpcholland.org 32

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Righteous Anger

by Kyra Burns You make us sing About the land of the free And doesn’t that just sting Cuz that freedom doesn’t apply to me Let’s start out with gender You’ve got to know what’s in our pants But you act like the defender When we start up our chants We have to get an education But you don’t want us to think We should just “support our nation” As leaders bring us closer to the brink Then there’s the issue of race You paint everything in black or white But you want us all to know our place When we stand up for what is right Where is the liberty and justice for all From our country’s pledge When you decided to build a wall At our boarder’s edge The children are in cages Or in body bags Cuz parents don’t get enough wages And you’d rather ban the drags You forced my mom to give birth Since a fetus is too precious to kill So why, in your god’s green earth Are school shootings going on still?

They say we’re all “too young” to know What we want or why Too young to love, to vote, to think; though not too young to die

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At any given time, approximately 11,000 Michigan children are in foster care. Become a foster parent and make a difference in the lives of children in our community.

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River City Psychological Services A place to heal, a place to grow

Be well.

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PRIDE gear that gives back!

Here, we celebrate PRIDE month all year long with an exclusive PRIDE collection of apparel and accessories that lets you sport your support, head-to-toe!

The best part? Proceeds benefit local organizations of inclusivity, including Holland’s own Out On The Lakeshore.

Plus, our PRIDE partners’ giveback components help support LGBTQ+ communities even more!

www.gazellesports.com 36

Downtown Holland, 24 W 8th St.

Making a world of difference starts at home.

Bringing the community together helps all of us move forward. At PNC, we proudly support the people, events and institutions that help to strengthen the places we call home and the world around us.

www.pnc.com

©2023 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC CON PDF 1221-018-1951005

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2% of June's sales will be donated to OOTL as a part of our Frances Jaye Invests program.

THIS IS WHERE YOU GO ALL OUT

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12365 James St. Ste 20 | Holland, MI 49424 | 616-377-4911 12365 James St. Ste 20 | Holland, MI 49424 | 616-377-4911 *First-time visitors and local residents only. Certain restrictions apply. $28 minimum value. At participating studios only. See studio for details. Orangetheory® and other Orangetheory® marks are registered trademarks of OTF IP Holder, LLC. © Copyright 2021 OTF IP Holder, LLC and its affiliates *First-time visitors and local residents only.

Certain restrictions apply. $28 minimum value. At participating studios only. See studio for details. Orangetheory® and other Orangetheory® marks are registered trademarks of OTF IP Holder, LLC. © Copyright 2021 OTF IP Holder, LLC and its affiliates

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CLAIM YOUR FREE CLASS CLAIM YOUR FREE CLASS

progressive. engaging. inclusive.

Sundays 10am Holland Civic Center hollanducc.org

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WHATEVER IS

NEXT For Grand Valley students, next is opportunity and innovation.

Next is global, connecting and uniting us. It’s local, shaping the spaces in which we work and live. It’s a commitment to progress. Next is where minds are free to imagine what could be. At GVSU, next is now. And whatever’s next for you, we will help you get there.

GVSU is proud to support the Holland Pride celebration and the LGBTQ+ community. Visit gvsu.edu/lgbtrc for more information.

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Apply: hollandhospital.org/careers 42

Pride with Purpose

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