A day of Pride, empowerment and exhilaration

It is most energizing to be among folks who gather and empower others to be their best selves. The South Whidbey Pride Parade June 22 brought together businesses, churches, drag queens, schools, libraries, organic farms and rainbow-clad people and dogs to celebrate diversity. David Welton took these excellent photos of a memorable day when the weather gods cooperated and speeches were genuinely heartfelt. Being among 450 parade participants, hugging the good folks of our community, made my day.

Meander Dance Collective

Faces in the Parade

Trinity Lutheran Church

A rainbow White House

Crocheted artistry

Dachshunds show their colors

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts

Langley’s Chief of Police

Langley Mayor Kennedy Horstman, who is so far successfully steering her ‘Village by the Sea’ toward economic health, spoke about being the first ‘out mayor’ in the city’s history. How it was terrifying for her to come out 37 years ago. The experience made her question everything she previously believed.

“How profoundly grateful I am to the folks that carry on the fight for our civil rights,” Kennedy said in a speech following the parade. “I’m moved to tears at how far we’ve come. I’m married to a woman I’m partnered with 18 years.”

Kennedy went on to talk of LGTBQ+ kids who feel unsafe where they live. “We have to prevent harm,” she said. “Two things motivate human behavior–fear and love. We are radically inclusive. Pride sees diversity and embraces it. Please be politically active. At the very least, register to vote.”

Mary Elizabeth Himes, a poet, described herself as “Queer, not lesbian or trans. I am original me.” She spoke with frank and powerful emotional strength: “Will you sing the new song of freedom? When we lose our fear, they will lose their power.”

Brook Willeford, a board member of the South Whidbey School District, has, with the support of the board, implemented students’ requests for an expanded curriculum, spoke about fluid sexuality, and “our being authentic helps others feel authentic. Love, care and kindness helps others come out of the closet. We create a future where others feel safe to come out.”

Ebo Barton, representing the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, asked that folks participate in a state survey so that safer worker conditions for LGBTQ+ people can be made law, under-represented groups can participate in advisory committees, and expanded school curricula can be created, among other policies.

Ebo spoke about the origins of the Pride movement, which  the Stonewall Riots ignited in 1969.

“It was a pivotal moment in our fight for rights and recognition. These acts of resistance were led by trans women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Their courage laid the groundwork for human rights we have and continue to fight for today. Pride is not just the celebration. It is a profound commitment to protect and support each other.”

To learn more about South Whidbey Pride, visit this website.