PRIDE IS A STATE OF MIND
By Patty Castillo Davis
The Coronavirus Pandemic has forced the cancellation or postponement of 475 Pride events from coast to coast. Celebrations are racing to digitize to happen at all. The Virtual Global Pride, organized by InterPride will happen online Saturday, June 27, cycling through time zones and will include political speakers, entertainment and celebrity cameos.
Our local community is no different. A Virtual Pride Entertainment event on Facebook, created by Dallas “Columbia Strawberry Cunha” Martin will take place June 16-June 30 featuring local performers and will provide a platform for entertainment that would otherwise be absent from Pride month.
Although MoPride is scheduled to take place on October 3, we are barely in the latter stages of Phase Two and festivals are on the distant horizon. Only a few years ago, Modesto Pride events were moved to the Fall due to the harsh, unfavorable weather. But PRIDE is a state of mind. We can celebrate year-round, promote year-round and take action on advocacy, justice and equality all year round.
The Place, a support group for youth 14-20 yrs. has been meeting online via ZOOM, Sundays at 4 pm, for more info call 209-602-1778.
The Central Valley Pride Center is celebrating Art Over Hate with an event that will “cover their wall/windows with pride”. They asking all artists to submit to bhodge@mopride.org for consideration to have their art showcased at the center. The CVPC will also host a virtual commemoration of the 51st anniversary of the Stonewall Riots on June 28, details are available at www.centralvalleypridecenter.org
The Center is providing a wide variety of support groups via ZOOM
LGBTQ Support and Social: Tuesday’s from 2-4 pm
Under the Gender Umbrella and Transgender Advisory Council: Thursday’s 5:30-7 pm
LGBTQ Youth Support Group: Saturday’s 1-3 pm
Sunday Fundays: Sundays 2-4 pm
Planning meetings for the Rainbow Prom: Saturdays 12-1 pm
Planning meetings for Modesto Pride 2020: Fridays 3:30-4:30 pm
For more information regarding any CVPC happenings email zhayes@mopride.org
Keith Highiet, award-winning Businessman and Community Leader/Activist, speaking on behalf of the Stanislaus County LGBTQ Collaborative wants to reiterate, “LGBTQs have a chosen family, in addition to or sometimes instead of a birth family. Because of that we are somewhat better prepared for social distancing due to our own personal experiences of before we came out. We get a chance to be who we really want. Now straight people can be who they really want to be after experiencing the traumatic fallout from COVID19. That being said, we must take special care of those who aren’t yet out of the closet. Cruelly they are suffering dually at this time. If you’re out getting to know the people in your neighborhood better than you did before, do be kind. It matters greatly, especially in our community.”
Takin PRIDE inside. Wearing it on the outside. All year long.
