From Deseret News archives:
Pride Parade organizers make room for Idaho group
GLBT center calls its local Twin Falls event too restrictive
The Southern Idaho Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Community Center was told it could have a float in today's Twin Falls parade as long as the group didn't use its full name, display rainbow flags or hand out AIDS awareness information, The Associated Press reported.
"We hope they will take us up on our offer to come over here and be guests," said Valerie Larabee, executive director of the Utah Pride Center.
The Utah Pride Festival is June 6-8 at Washington Square in downtown Salt Lake City. The Pride Parade is downtown June 8 at 10 a.m.
In Twin Falls, organizers of the three-day Western Days festival had banned the group's rainbow-decorated float from the parade last year, saying they wanted the event to reflect the conservative, religious and family values of the area. Private donations make up the $27,000 budget for Western Days.
"The parade represents community and family, and that's exactly what we stand for as well," Larabee said. "When we can be proud of our own families and community, I don't think that's offensive at all."
"I do live in the United States, but I'm being treated like an alien," Brandy Jones, president of the Southern Idaho GLBT Community Center, told The Times-News newspaper. "Why lie about who we are?"
Lisa Cuellar, board chairwoman for Western Days, and MaryAnne Taylor, parade chairwoman, said they didn't set any restrictions this year but simply received an application from the group that was acceptable for entry into the parade. They said the application listed the Southern Idaho Community Center, and not the group's longer name.
"They entered the name Southern Idaho Community Center, so that's how they have to be in the parade," she said. "They just have not been up front with us. Maybe it's the lack of communication of both ends."
Contributing: Associated Press
E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com
Recent comments
Kudos to the Twin Falls Western Days Festival.
Scotty | May 31, 2008 at 10:50 a.m.
I admire those advocates for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and...
Anonymous | May 31, 2008 at 1:38 a.m.
- Cave to be sealed with body inside 3:34 p.m.
- Farm bureau selects leaders 3:22 p.m.
- DEQ hires new district engineer 3:21 p.m.
- WVC families, businesses greet Santa 2:20 p.m.
- Stocks slide on Dubai debt fallout 2:08 p.m.
- Shelter animals used in research 2:06 p.m.
- Weber County may close justice ct. 1:57 p.m.
- Desert tortoises have flu 1:56 p.m.
- Criminal probe on party crashers? 1:16 p.m.
- White House Christmas tree arrives 1:16 p.m.
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
262 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
211 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
139 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
133 - Boys basketball rankings
125 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
112 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
105 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
if ESPN had their way RSL wouldn't have even been in that game. They really...
If every single student who gets academic all-state under the current rules...
Eventually every activity I enjoyed as a child will be off limits because of...
religious tolerance EVERYWHERE? If, for example a Christian or Jew wants to...
against Bama.
against Bama they may still have an outside shot at the NC!
Spelunking is a dangerous sport with inherent risks involved. Closing off...
I was wondering where in the world Lancaster Way was! Yes, my kids were...
UCAT Board Stand Strong! Brems is the best man for the job. You know it and...
@ 2:31, It's nice to know that twitter is alive and well in America. Who...


