Elmira Pride Day: How it all began

by Jodie Hanrahan

      In February 2004, while sitting in the basement conference room at Park Church in Elmira during an O&A (open and affirming) meeting, we were trying to figure out how to reach out to the GLBT community. The thought came up of a community dinner for GLBT people and those who cared. Well, little did we know the can of worms we opened! The dinner was a huge success; having over eighty people show up along with the Elmira Star Gazette and a local TV station covering it as a "gay dinner". (Mind you, until then, the word "gay" was not said in the media in conjunction with Elmira). The dinner started a wave and we knew that it was time to do more. Again, we sat at an O&A meeting in the basement of the church thinking how we could keep the momentum going.

      In March, 2004 we decided on a Gay Pride event. We knew that we had something hot but little did we know how hot. We set off for the council’s approval and they stood right behind us with support. Then, off to the city for approval for the park use. We received the approval and started putting it all together until that infamous day when the paper broke the article on the front page of the Star Gazette saying “ELMIRA WILL HAVE THEIR OWN GAY PRIDE!” Then came the call from the city. “You didn’t tell us that this was a 'GAY EVENT' ". (The permit was in Park Church’s name.) Our answer was, ”The permit said that it was a 'GLBT event.' ” They immediately said, “We don’t know what that means”... and they soon found out! Sides then developed - the protesters and the Pride people. The police then got involved doing background research on the protesters and it was said that some belong to the militias. Almost daily there were articles in the Star Gazette or on TV about the event. (I do have to say the media was very positive for us.)

      I would now like to share some of the special moments that probably weren’t brought up but deserve mention. I sat at a breakfast with Skip Reed who was then the co-Pastor at Park Church, and after talking a bit I asked him, “Would you speak at the Pride?” He paused. (This was the first time I ever saw him short of words). This special man then said, “Jodie, I will speak but I just don’t know what I will say.” Skip took a lot of criticisms in the papers and throughout different parts of the community but he stayed strong and in the end. Many people came to the event just to support him. Having him as part of the pride brought the respect of many in the town and we as a community owe him a great debt. He is one special person!

Credits:

      My employees from Caesars deserve mentioning because when I asked them to come help blow up 360 balloons they were there!! Thanks especially to Linda! Sorry for the blistered fingers!! RitaLynn was my right hand which was there every moment when I called for some poster or sign or a budget. She worked behind the scenes and is really organized. I could give her a penny today and she will know what happen to it two years from now! I also wish to thank the clubs and all the patrons for raising most of the money and, of course, the decorating!! Rainbows everywhere!! The entertainment and speakers donated their time and abilities because they cared. That is way bigger than it may sound. They spent hours of their time to make the event right for us all. That just rocks!!! All in all, I feel blessed to have been a part of the event and lucky as a person because I know so many great people that came to help and be part of making a difference!

~Jodie

Bill Lewis is the hidden treasure of GLBT community in Elmira!! Many of you don't realize it but Bill is the one that makes Pride happen! He is a never-ending source for the benefit shows to whom so many drag performers donate their tips, energy and hard work. I have spoken with Bill saying that such and such will cost so much and he'll reassure me that it will be taken care of. Billy and Tom (owners of Club CHILL) are personally donating a substantial amount of the cost of bring in Housewives on Prozac in for this year's event. Without Bill and all of the CHILL performers, Pride would be just a dream in Elmira. When you see him tell him thanks and that he is making yours and my life better every day!
Luv Ya, Billy!!

~Jodie