We would like to thank JM Sorrell for her column. We totally agree with her about the over emphasis on drag at Gay Pride.
It certainly has dragged down the once joyful event for us. Yes, in the past — as she mentioned — the Raging Grannies had often sung briefly on stage. This year, although we requested to be onstage once again, we were ignored.
Not only has the Gay Pride stage show mostly limited itself to becoming a drag show — often which is not appropriate material for families with young children, but the event has become also ageist and handicapped unfriendly.
Parking — this year in deep mud and far from vendors and the stage — made it impossible for many of us Raging Grannies to negotiate. We finally found a location where we could sing to those marching into the fairgrounds. The problem was that we were forced to separate the walkers in our group from the riders in the truck so by the time we found each other — those who were able to — time was running out.
It was too bad in a number of ways and we felt unacknowledged and unwanted by the Gay Pride organizers this year for the first time in Gay Pride history. We were grateful, however, to the huge and enthusiastic crowds along the parade route who cheered us along with wild enthusiasm!
We’re wondering if we should try to participate again next year.
Andrea Wright and
Peggy Anderson
Easthampton