My Speech: Pride Rally 2012

Jun17 by D Gregory Smith

From Yesterday’s Pride Rally:

Last week someone said to me “Why do you people need a parade? Why do you have to make such a fuss?”

Here’s why:

We have been afraid to be who God created us to be. Sometimes it was our churches that made us afraid.

We have been legislated against- made criminals in the eyes of the law that is supposed to protect us.

We have been killed and we have killed ourselves.

We have lost good men and women to HIV/AIDS.

We have been bullied and teased and yes, driven from our very homes and schools and communities- and state.

We have been hurt and maligned right here under this big sky.

Why do we need a parade?

To remind us that there are people whose bravery has driven away darkness. Whose voices refuse to give in to hopelessness or complacency or fear.

That together, we can be that voice.

A voice to proclaim the goodness of our lives and the lives of our brothers, sisters, parents, children and friends- we are here and like it or not- we are not going away.

We will not forget the lives that have lived with pain to bring us here- to this place of hope and triumph.

Today is a gorgeous day in Montana History, because the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two-Spirit, Transgender, Intersex and Queer people of Montana- and our allies- are here to proclaim that we will not let our voice die.

We will not be afraid.

We will stand up when we are told to lie down.

We will speak when anyone tries to shame us into silence.

We will remain when we are told to leave.

We will proclaim the truth.

Firmly and gently and clearly and proudly.

The truth that we are light.

And that light makes Montana more beautiful, not less. More.

I want to hear your voice.

Are We Good?

Are We Beautiful?

Are We Going Away?

We live in hope that one day all Americans agree.

Until then- we have a parade.

Because we.

Are not.

Going.

Away.

Montana Pride 2012: It’s Not Just A Party (dgsmith.org)
MT Pride 2012 Presents Kathy Baldock: The Argument For LGBT-Inclusive Christianity (dgsmith.org)
Baucus Endorses Marriage Equality (dgsmith.org)

Author Bobbie Zenker talks about “TransMontana” on KBZK

Jun15 by D Gregory Smith

Very proud. You can see it here.

It’s Here! Montana Pride 2012 Starts Today!

Jun15 by D Gregory Smith

And it’s gonna to be fantastic!

Click for schedule!

You can pick up tickets at the MSU SUB starting at 1pm today. Then check out the resource booths, hang out in the SUB with friends, take advantage of free HIV testing, grab some condoms donated by ONE® condoms, go downtown and support the businesses with rainbow flags, hit the Bears and Brews at the Bar IX and come back to the Ballrooms at 7pm for “The Made In Montana Drag Show” with DJ Missillaneous, Cloud City Jazz and then our headliner: Jessie and The Toy Boys.

There is also a fabulous after party and dance featuring Ebola Syndrome.

Underage and non-alcoholic activities in the Rec Center, hosted by PFLAG.

Security is provided- and Streamline buses will be running late to accommodate.

Like I said, epic- and this is only Friday!

Montana Pride 2012: It’s Not Just A Party (dgsmith.org)
Pride Foundation In Montana: Promoting Equality And Generosity- With A New Website (dgsmith.org)
Baucus Endorses Marriage Equality (dgsmith.org)

Baucus Endorses Marriage Equality

Jun13 by D Gregory Smith

Say what you will about Max Baucus- and we have- but this gives me a moment of pride:

Fair is fair: he hasn’t always done what I would have liked (and it might take something much more major to get me over the healthcare debacle) but mad props for being the first elected statewide Montana official to stand for marriage equality. Thanks, Max. Click the link above to follow his Twitter feed.

Now for a Pride Present, I’d like to hear the other statewide elected officials following suit.

Hell, better yet, I want to see them in the parade this Saturday.

They’ve all been invited.

Update: Reader Karl Olson reminded us that “Pretty sure Justice Nelson came first, however, and by several years, and more openly. Nelson proved you could get a statewide vote with an unwavering pro-equality stance. Its history, but still relevant in the current fervor.”

The NAACP Endorses Marriage Equality (bilerico.com)
Obama Speaks Out For Maryland Marriage Equality (thinkprogress.org)
Carrie Underwood shows love for marriage equality (examiner.com)
50 Cent endorses marriage equality (thegrio.com)
Denmark Passes a Marriage Equality Law (pamshouseblend.firedoglake.com)

ONE Singular Sensation…

Jun13 by D Gregory Smith

If you run out of condoms this Pride weekend, you have no excuse.

ONE ® Condoms has provided Montana Pride 2012 with 4,000 “Pride Mix” Condoms:

Watch for the condom buckets!

Tonight: “The Argument for LGBT-Inclusive Christianity”

Jun12 by D Gregory Smith

Get to the Bozeman Library tonight at 7pm…!

Kathy Baldock, a straight, Evangelical Christian and Executive Director of Canyonwalker Connections, will offer the public a chance to consider, discuss and debate the arguments for a Christianity that is welcoming and affirming of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered persons. All are welcome.
For More about Kathy and her experience, please visit http://canyonwalkerconnections.com/about-2/ .

This forum is presented By Montana Pride 2012

MT Pride 2012 Presents Kathy Baldock: The Argument For LGBT-Inclusive Christianity (dgsmith.org)
Montana Pride 2012: It’s Not Just A Party (dgsmith.org)
Kathy Baldock:”Trans-mockery in the House of God?” (queeringthechurch.com)

HIV Testing At Montana Pride

Jun11 by D Gregory Smith

In keeping with the relevance of Montana Pride- and as a precursor to HIV Testing Awareness Day June 27th, free, anonymous HIV testing will be offered Friday and Saturday during Montana Pride in the MSU Strand Union Building, just look for these signs:

MT Dem Platform Amendment Language

Jun9 by D Gregory Smith

Following my earlier story, here’s the language:”We support repealing Section7, Article 13 of the Montana Constitution. All adults should have the right to legally marry another adult of their choice regardless of sex or gender. We believe same-sex spouses should have the same legal benefits, protections and responsibilities granted to all those who marry”

MT Dems: Marriage Equality Is A Right
Dem Platform Amendment Language (dgsmith.org)
Steve Bullock Just Lost My Vote (dgsmith.org)

MT Dems: Marriage Equality Is A Right

Jun9 by D Gregory Smith

Breaking news this morning- From Twitter: “the Montana Democrat delegates unanimously voted to approve a platform amendment supporting full equality for gays and lesbians”

Formal recognition that marriage equality is such an non-issue for most Montanans that this just makes sense.

Bravo.