Panel Voices: How well does Pride represent our community?

DJ Kelly Sinna-G, Pieter Tolsma, Hunter Down and Lottie Dah, and George Gramer weigh in on this week’s question.

DJ Kelly Sinna-G

Since my arrival in Denver just over two years ago, I have had the opportunity to be involved in PrideFest twice.

What I have seen and personally experienced is that it is a phenomenal representation of the community as a whole.

Take the park, for just one example. It is such a moving thing to see not only young, but old, gay straight standing in support of a movement. I am still hopeful that time is moving us all forward where places will no longer be labeled as ‘gay’ or ‘straight.’ That it will just be a place to meet; a place to hang out and socialize; a place not labeled as ‘gay’ or ‘straight’, it will just be the place to be ourselves.

Denver’s PrideFest is a wonderful representation of that. No where else can you see such diversity or overwhelming energy!

I am personally experiencing, year after year, that acceptance of the LGBT community is being embraced by all forms of media as well. There will always be those in attendance that are hate-filled and have to speak their mind, but those in support of who we are as human beings far out weigh those that don’t.

It’s such a promising time; a time for growth and love. I feel that Denver PrideFest showcases this on so many levels and I’m so proud and honored to be a part of it!

DJ Kelly Sinna-G is a full-time DJ who has lived in Denver since October, 2010. Visit her music page on Facebook.com/DjSinnaG4.

Pieter Tolsma

I think Pride is a hot mess sometimes with all those people swarming in the heat wearing outrageous outfits (or almost nothing at all.) I can’t help but think the whole thing is off-putting to the rest of the world and misrepresents our community.

My concern is about what it says about us as a community. Pride is about throwing the doors to the community wide open and letting everyone in to celebrate themselves and each other. Doors wide open means everyone is welcome.

There may be parts of the experience I don’t like. Maybe the Cycle Sluts are not my cup or tea or that guy in the dog collar with the vest is too real for me. I have no more right to be present than anyone else. But I get to bring myself and join the visual conversation.

You, me, that girl with the cat ears and tail, and the husband and wife with the two kids, we are all part of this.

After last year’s Pride I had to stop for a minute and consider. I realized that there is a reason this celebration is growing. I realized that folks come from all the rectangle states and beyond to attend. Pride draws them to Denver. People who need a place to belong know they can find that place here. I cannot think of a better way for our community to be represented than that.

Pieter Tolsma is a graduate student at the University of Colorado Denver. He is also program coordinator of Denver PIQUE, a program for gay/bi young men in Denver.

Hunter Down and Lottie Dah

For us, Pride is a fantastic representation of our community. That is to say, that for two days of the year, we can wrap ourselves in rainbow flags and expose ourselves to the world without fear because we are surrounded by thousands of our brothers and sisters. We are free to be proud of who, and what we are. Pride is a time to reconnect with our community and ourselves. We see people and parts of our community that we would otherwise miss. I applaud the organizers of Pride for working so diligently to provide voice to all facets of our vast and beautiful community.

However, I think we, as a community, have lost sight of the true meaning of LGBTQ month. We should pause and reflect on the pioneers who began the struggle for equality that day on June 28th on Christopher St. We should give thanks to those who have continued to fight.

Further, I think the media, particularly the mainstream media, has failed the LGBTQ Community. Media coverage tends to focus more on the festivities of one two-day event and less on the reason for Gay Pride Month. Further, the images most often shown are garish and flamboyant, such as camp drag and outrageous costumes. Rarely is there coverage on the youth services or family resources. In a community struggling for equality, acceptance and recognized legitimacy, it is very important that people outside our community can look at us as individuals and see their neighbors, siblings and friends. Only then will we achieve true equality.

Dakota Morgan and Charlotte Reynolds, affectionately known by their stage names Hunter Down and Lottie Dah, are the owners and producers of Tranzcend Drag King and Burlesque troupe and Sapphic Sirens, Denver’s only Queer Burlesque. Both are active in the LGBTQ community. Catch them monthly at Blush & Blu, 1526 E. Colfax Ave.

George K. Gramer, Jr.

Does it represent … twinks and bears and shaved and smooth and hairy-backed and leather fans? … lipstick and butch lesbians? … Harley riders? … the feminine and swishy? … the tattooed and pierced? … liberals, moderates, and conservatives? … the Speedo and underwear set and the suit and tie crowd? … drag queens and kings? … the down low, closeted, bi, and afraid? …those HIV positive and negative? … foodies, vegetarians, the beer busters, and the tea totallers? … the bath house crowd? … the faithfully coupled and the completely slutty? … the religious and the irreligious? … Gleeks and NASCAR fans? … people dressed (or barely so) in all colors of the rainbow? … porn lovers and prudes? … people who party and those who would never consider it? … the partnered and the lonely and looking? … meth heads and the drug-free? … virgins and whores? … swimmers, bike riders, runners, skiers, and snowboarders? … the vocal and the quiet? … couples with kids? … the disabled? … Denver Post photographers looking for something outrageous? … doctors, and lawyers, and bears … oh my! … Denver PrideFest is filled with normal Americans and citizens of the world. It represents the community completely.

Iowa native George K. Gramer, Jr. is the president of the Colorado Log Cabin Republicans.