It has been seven long years since the last official Orange County LGBT Pride Event took place in 2002. This past Saturday the 15th, this tradition made its return in Irvine’s William R. Mason Regional Park at the very first OC Pride: Picnic at the Park.
[Image Taken from OC Pride's Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2253204&id=103948534063]
Now, I’m not a journalist, so I don’t pride myself in being able to do any research or speaking with any key individuals who put this event together. No, I am just a gay man who was proud to take part in this inaugural event celebrating our ability to be ourselves and the ability to be with the ones we love. If you’re looking for a report on what happened, I did read an excellent report in OC Weekly, along with an excellent slide show by Chris Victorio:
http://www.ocweekly.com/slideshow/view/28198767/ (See if you can find me in the background of a couple of the photos standing with my cousin and Patrick!)
If I’m not here to tell you what happened, then why am I writing this post? Nothing else other than to let readers know how important such an event is to our community.
Awareness
Unfortunately, I missed the Kiss-In. But truthfully, at the time I had no clue what the Kiss-In was about. It wasn’t until afterward that I learned that the Kiss-In was created to bring attention to the incidents that occurred in Texas and Utah of same-sex couples that were arrested for their public display of affection.
With the passage of Proposition 8, LGBT rights have taken the stage as a major issue in today’s society. From same-sex marriage to dealing with homophobia, this year’s wave of Pride events have informed not only the public, but fellow LGBT citizens on current issues and how to get involved. I feel this is especially important in Orange County.
Building Community
I’m shy when it comes to social situations. I didn’t make it out to the after party, and I didn’t talk to very many people at OC Pride, except for the very friendly people working at the booths when we made our round. However, meeting people and building that community of support and safety for the LGBT population in Orange County.
One of my close friends moved recently to the Belmont Heights/Alamitos Beach area of Long Beach. I love his community. The area has a huge LGBT population, and the people there are friendly and welcoming. When walking around his studio, we feel safe and accepted.
Now, I’m not saying I want to turn Orange County into Long Beach. Not at all, they are different locations with different cultures. What I do look for, though, is a community in which my partner and I, along with all the LGBT community to feel safe and accepted at their homes, and events like OC Pride foster this sense of community. From politician speakers to providing space for LGBT performers, it was exciting to be a part of this year’s OC Pride.
Sense of Pride
It’s in the name — pride, and thus this is probably the most important reason to continue the Orange County Pride event. Still today, people are forced to stay in the closet, ashamed to let others know who they really are. My own partner is sometimes embarrassed to let others know that we’re together. In fact, even I am hesitant at times to admit to others that I have a significant other. This is not right!
This is only the third pride event I have ever attended — once in San Diego, once in Long Beach, and now once in Irvine. But since my first pride event when I was just 19 years old, I have found myself significantly more comfortable with myself at OC Pride. No, more than comfortable. I was proud to be there, not only for myself, but for those people who are just coming out or have yet to come out.
My Own Experience
I am one of those lucky people to have a family that fully supports me. My cousin was excited to attend OC Pride with me, and I was proud to have her there. The crowd was about what I expected…small, but with energetic and with a purpose. Further, I learned more about the LGBT culture in Orange County. From hearing support from City Councilwoman and candidate for Congress Beth Krom, to learning about Theatre Out, Orange County’s very own Lesbian and Gay Theatre, there is much to appreciate in Orange County that I did not know about.
I’m about to be one of Orange County’s newest resident, and at first I was afraid I wouldn’t feel at home here. Now, however, I’m excited to be a part of this vibrant and growing community that has a lot to offer. Thanks to this year’s OC Pride, I am definitely proud to become a part of Orange County’s LGBT community. Let’s see this grow even more for next year.
For more information about next year’s OC Pride, follow them on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/OCpride.