Bakersfield’s LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning), along with other organizations, have been preparing for 8 months for the fifth annual Bakersfield Gay Pride Festival.
“Our theme today is love, equality, pride. Really, that’s what this whole year is about,” said Chair of the LGBTQ Whitney Wedell.
About 25 vendors and their booths lined the Bakersfield Museum of Art’s back patio this weekend as hundreds of people gathered for the event, which included food, live music and entertainment as well as a colorful, inflated jumper in the KidZone,
According to Weddell the event draws about 600 people and raises around $5,000. “It covers our cost to keep going all year,” she said,
The event drew people of all ages who gathered around the stage to watch performances by comedian Robin Tyler, music from Three Chord Whore, and dance performances by the Royalty Performing Arts Centre along with other performers.
“I’m here to express who I am. I don’t have to hide. Here you can hold hands, kiss and people won’t look at you funny. I get a good feeling coming to an event like this, no one’s trying to harass us,” said Brittany Hunt, a Bakersfield College student attending the festival.
One of the sponsors was PFLAG who were raising funds for their organization as well as offering support to parents of gay children. “We’re promoting parents being involved with their gay children,” said member Roney Meyer “We have a local 24 hour helpline. A lot of parents in crisis call us.”
Grace Episcopal Church was also there to show support. “We’re welcoming the gay community, letting them know there’s a safe place for them to come and worship,” said church member Jan Dunlap.
Wedell said it was important to create a safe and relaxing atmosphere because the outside community may not always be as supportive. “This is an important year for us, because of Proposition 8. As you drive around you see those yellow signs and they hurt. They hurt a lot,” she said as she stood in front of a booth offering bumper stickers, fliers and yard signs promoting Vote No on Prop. 8.
Wendell also said the evening was like a family reunion, “We kind of call it a family, we think of ourselves as a community family.”