First Annual Belleville Gay Pride Event
By vital - Posted on May 15th, 2008
Blog Category:
NewsThe VItal Voice just got wind that barring a very unlikely "no" vote to close off the street by its City Council, Belleville will be hosting its first ever Gay Pride event on Saturday, June 21, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will be held on 2nd street between W. Main and A street(s) outside of Club Escapade, which is located at 133 W. Main street.
The confirmed speakers are:
The Honorable Tom Holbrook, Illinois State Rep.
Mr. Lynn Clapp, Chair, Belleville Human Relations Commission
Mr. Mark Kern, Chair, St. Clair County Board.
There will be music with a DJ, sales of Belleville Pride/Rainbow t-shirts, food and craft booths, and as aforementioned, some inspiring speeches.
We will have more on this story as information comes in.
Patrick,
It is surprising to see Rep. Tom Holbrook as a speaker at the Belleville Gay Pride event. A quick look at the State of Illinois web site for the Legislature, reveals that Rep. Holbrook voted against our civil rights when the bill came up before the House of Representives. Has he had a change of heart, a conversion, or merely a convenient stand and wave moment for him to obtain votes and maybe campaign donations? It will be interesting to hear what he now has to say. But, hurrah for Belleville and their event!
Jim Bussen
I cannot believe this! I grew up in Belleville and never thought I would see the day that a Gay Pride event would take place in the city. I have some mixed feelings about Tom Holbrook speaking at the event. While I was completing my undergraduate degree in Social Work at SIUE, during the late 90’s, the social work students attended a lobby day in Springfield. We had to pick a bill to lobby for or against. I selected House Bill 101, an anti-discrimination bill for the lesbian, gay, and bi community. A few of my fellow students, myself included, paid Mr. Holbrook a visit that day. We explained who we were and why we wanted him to support this bill. I’ll never forget his reaction. He looked at all of us and said, “You are all social work students and they teach you that this is ok in school?” I was dumbfounded and speechless, but my straight cohorts were able to address the issue. Bottom line, Mr. Holbrook told us he would not support the bill and that the people he represented would not support it. Many years later this bill passed in Illinois and I don’t know if it eventually gained the support of Mr. Holbrook. I know that people change their views & opinions, especially politicians who may eventually want our votes, but I don’t believe the L/G/B/T community has his full support.
Patrick J. Swierzek
As it turned out, Mayor Mark Eckert spoke, but Mr. Holbrook and Mr. Kern were present. With each single act of persuasion, each of us holds the power to change. Our political will, our persistence and the level of our commitment will determine how successfully we change the neighborhood.
I agree with your skeptical conclusion, while holding an abiding hope that we can continue to make progress changing minds, tearing down the barriers to understanding and learning to more effectively communicate with leaders who will, ultimately, need our support.
The first annual Pride event in Belleville was a joy. Within a few weeks, the thing took on a life of its own and became the block party that it was. Most encouraging is the enthusiasm of the people committed to planning the next one. This was a truly democratic (small d) process, which reinforces the vision our founders had in mind for us.
The event was flawless. Nothing but good vibes, happy beautiful people and an incredible sense of community and...yeah---PRIDE!