Seattle Gay News
Seattle Pride 2013 was the biggest this city has ever seen. And not just by the numbers – although if you added up all of the volunteers, parties, music stages, visitors, new supporters of the LGBTQ equality movements, and more, you’d find a hefty increase from years past. Why? Some would surmise that marriage equality tipped the scale toward justice when the Supreme Court ruled in our favor on Prop 8 and DOMA. Others would say it is the so-called “evolution” that many, like our president, have gone through to arrive at this moment. Regardless of the reason, Seattle Gay News was there. We were there at the Wildrose Beer Garden this Pride, and every Pride before it, capturing photos and taking in the experience. We were there at the Cuff in the “good old days” and then again on Sunday, and we thought, “Good times are still to come,” because it damn sure was a good party. SGN was at R Place and at Neighbours to witness wall-to-wall crowds. We were in the Pride Parade as our publisher, George Bakan, marched the route on foot because, despite his age, he couldn’t bear the thought of not taking part. PrideFest has nearly outgrown Seattle Center and we
Issue 27, Volume 41 July 5, 2013
remember when, in another form, it barely had anyone stay past 4 p.m. Drag queens, old and new, fill the pages of SGN (we love our queens – at one time some referred to us as Seattle Drag News) and this Pride edition is no different. What was different this year was victory after solid victory. We stopped fighting among ourselves, got our shit together, and new groups like Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) mixed with more established organizers, like those who build and ran Washington United for Marriage, instead of creating a chasm no one could cross. Bridges were more than just built – they were extended to Eastern Washington, linking our “red” state with our “blue” state. The bigots had no chance. This is a fight they were destined to lose. When we had them on the ropes we didn’t let up – they stubbornly did not throw in the towel, and we delivered a knockout punch. This state – hell, this nation – will never be the same. Our president is on our side. The American people are on our side. The state and city governments are on our side. This year, Pride in Seattle was all about celebration. And celebrate we did!