NBC Action News Reports that this year, the Power and Light District invited organizers to kick off a KC Pride weekend at the LIVE stage.
Rick Bumgardner, who has my favorite name for a LGBT activist and who organizes KC Pride said, "I think the first plus is getting more mainstream, getting us more visible to the Kansas City."This story is important for two reasons, not only because it CLEARLY demonstrates that there's no unity among Kansas City's diverse communities but also it provides even further proof that a party is more important than anything . . . Even the LGBT community supporting struggling small biz in the downtown area that used to provide their only hangouts.
Which dress code do the drag queens have to comply with and do the leather boys have to cover their cheeks?
ReplyDeleteSo its okay with "gay activists" to support a company that turns away black and latino patrons?
ReplyDeleteThat's right. It's a double standard and the LGBT groups should be called out on this.
ReplyDelete"Coach" Comstock can buy the first round for the house with the money he was paid to get out of the Democratic primary for legislative district 39 by the firefighters. No he never intended to run, he just wanted to be paid to get out.
ReplyDeleteIts funny, he did not send out a nifty email about his decision to take the cash and leave the race, and now all those Democrats who got his first email do not know that he has "freed" them to endorse other candidates.
Nice job KC Pride. Way to stand with those protesting P&L for racism and prejudice. Your constant failure to work with other communities, or even want to, is amazing.
ReplyDeleteHow ironic that KC's gay TV station broke the news?
ReplyDeleteYes, and the African American clubs in this town are SOOO gay friendly aren't they. My gay homiez and I love kickin' it at the Epicurian--
ReplyDeleteJust as the NAACP was wrong for not joining La Raza, the LGBT commuinity is wrong for going to the Power and White District. So the next time gays are upset that black people don't support their "civil rights issue" they should remember where they have chosen to promote their cause. As a black man, the empty rhetoric of the LGBT commuinity concerning my community could not be clearer.
ReplyDeleteAnon 1:10 it's called leading by example. It's only a matter of time before all communities fully support the LGBT community. But moves like this only push that moment back. The LGBT community is very powerful in Kansas City, they could've said "No thanks" and used it as leverage against other community leaders. But of course they didnt.
ReplyDeleteThe LGBT Community is too self-centered to help out anyone else.
ReplyDeleteAll identity politics suck. The P and L District is nothing but a symbolic issue, and the least of our problems in this city.
ReplyDeleteThe Pride Committee is NOT the gay community. It is a small group of gay people who are not at all involved in political issues. I am sure it didn't even occur to them. Perhaps just bringing it to their attention will help them to rethink this. Instead of dramatically overreacting, like the posters on this blog have, the black and hispanic leadership should try to teach, rather than to accuse.
ReplyDeleteBlah, blah, blah, You'll all bitch and protest on this blog about racism but in the end, regardless of your color, you'll be downtown in the thick of it- drunk off your asses,oogling the shirtless guys while listening to some has-been diva singing her tired-assed old songs!
ReplyDeleteAs a member of the gay community, I am greatly disturbed by the pride committee's decision to hold the pride kickoff at P&L. They need to reverse the decision immediately!
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, the people who attend the pride street dance that kicks off gay pride (and the pride committee) are NOT representative of the gay community. The vast majority are young 'twinkies' who are entirely self-absorbed, drunks who'll use any excuse to get plastered or drag queens who are the gay version of minstrel shows.
4:37: True, if I have to choose between protesting against racism and the chance to get some dick, i will probably choose dick.
ReplyDeleteThe KC Pride committee isn't aware of politics? They are fully aware of politics and just don't give a shit. Only one thing trumps politics: Booze and Diaaaaaaaack.
ReplyDeleteNo they really aren't politicos. Look at their website--you won't recognize a single name. They are nobodies politically. Clueless, sweet people who want to put on a good event. Not that any of this matters--last time I went to P and L there were lots of people of color who could give a shit about the dress code. This is just another opportunity for homophobes to criticize gays. I doubt any of the people on here who claim to be of color actually are.
ReplyDeleteI am Latino. I am pro-equal rights for all people. I am glad to see the lgbt community in many places finally able to marry, have health insurance coverage for their spouses, adopt and have the right to put their spouses in their will. And I think that the Pride should be standing up against prejudice and The P&L. I think you're wrong for saying that those upset are just trying to use this as an anti-gay attack.
ReplyDeletePlease know that many of us stood in opposition to this decision. Myself and many others are not in support of the blatantly racist, classist, transphobic and homophobic dress code in place.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lawrence.com/weblogs/kansas_city_burning/2010/mar/16/questioning-my-gay-pride/
I'd rather hang out with the gays than a bunch of saggy pants, low class thugs of ANY color!
ReplyDeleteChange the location idiots!
ReplyDeletePlease don't think the Pride committee represents the entire LGBT community. Many of us are just as offended by this choice as the other minority groups. I know I'll be boycotting this event. I encourage anyone offended by the choice to encourage a boycott and to raise awareness, rather than merely complain.
ReplyDeleteI'd also like to back up what Wick said in saying that there were many people who expressed their opposition to this, but our opinions were not taken into consideration! The Pride Committee does not represent everyone in KC's queer community.
ReplyDeleteBOYCOTT
ReplyDeleteThose pretentious self serving bitches on the committee don't care. Neither do the hundreds of others who are going to attend regardless of any protest or boycott. All they see is a once a year prime opportunity to go to a big party. Getting boozed up and laid is the only goal here.
ReplyDeleteI agree boycott, alot are.....and Pride is aware of what they are doing...they have heard people complain....but as usual, its 4 people making the decision for the whole community...even if for 1 day, P & L will never get my business....they blatantly discriminate....Cornish Company is getting money for this, theres no extended welcoming hand...just a greedy, give us money you can do it here hand.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to point out that few opposed but many agreed and supported the decision when it was made. And so far NO ONE has presented a plan that is both feasable and pleases all facets of our "community". It is merely the best option we chose for this year. There are challenges and opportunities in any situation. And there are ways to make the best of all of them as well.
ReplyDeleteDoes the Power and Light District ever get a second chance to show they have resolved these issues?
ReplyDeleteWick the President of Pride just wants to see his name in lights. He does not care about the community. He is in it for his own personal Glamour, he likes the word President, because it makes him feel important. Anything for a buck from the publics wallet to his wallet.
ReplyDeleteWICK is an amazingly motivated and driven person. But money, recognition, and power is NOT what he's after. He is one of the most genuine individuals I've ever met, and he'll stand behind whatever he believes right, regardless of what it earns him. In the gay community, you always stand to lose alot just by being who you are and standing up for yourself. That's never stopped him. He's got an incredible influence, but he's earned that by being a good person, and a noteworthy organizer. KC Pride no longer speaks for the gay community, and that is becoming more and more obvious. The gay community, to me, sounds outraged and offended.
ReplyDeleteCasting stones at one individual does nothing but divide the cause further. Please refrain from the negativity. There's plenty out there already.