MCALESTER - From the threat of torrential rain from Hurricane Rita to the possibility of protesting by McAlester locals, McPride's first family picnic had long odds of being a success. However, because neither rain nor protestors actually materialized, the picnic exceeded expectations of all involved. The official title of the event was "Unite With Pride! McPride Uniting Families with Love and Integrity." McPride, McAlester's GLBT organization, hosted the picnic on Saturday, September 24, in McAlester's Chadick Park. Between 75-100 attended the picnic between noon and 5 pm. Attendees enjoyed a program of music and speakers, as well as games like volleyball and horseshoes. The event was chaired by Paul Prichard and Sherri Butler, president and vice president respectively of McPride. When welcoming the crowd Paul said that, "Standing here is a dream come true. The GLBT community here has more support than I could have imagined." He said that when he told his mother he was gay, she thought that would mean he would have a lonely life. "You don't have to worry about me," he said, gesturing to the many people before him. The entertainment for the day was provided by some homegrown talent. Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald, known as "Oklahoma's Cowboy Crooner," sang several sets of songs. Matthew’s partner, Jason Heath-Fitzgerald, also acted as emcee for the event. Matthew's rich tenor voice rang though the park and set the perfect mood for the afternoon. Michael Camfield, with ACLU Oklahoma, displayed his talents as a singer and guitar player with several covers such as Me and Bobby McGee and You Can't Always Get What You Want. Venci Thomason from Hartshorne also performed several songs, rounding out the musical program with her throaty voice. Female illusionists Kris Kohl and McAlester native Robyn Fontayne dazzled the crowds with their stunning costumes. Fontayne's strong dance moves were a hit, especially when she came off the stage, stormed into the picnic pavilion and began dancing on the tables. The little girls in the audience were spellbound by the illusionists. Matthew Heath Fitzgerald's parents both spoke. Both are Methodist ministers. Rev. Jerrell Heath touched the crowd when he announced his undying love for his son. "None of us can be free until we are all free," he told us, urging us to let go of the criticisms that others launch against glbt people. "Homosexuality and lesbianism is not a sin," he told us. The afternoon afforded a rare opportunity for glbt people in southeastern Oklahoma to laugh and play together. I caught up with several friends who I rarely see - Margaret Cox from Herland, Paul Thompson from OGLPC, Michael Camfield from ACLU Oklahoma – and I made new friends as well. People came to the ECU GSA booth to marvel at the photographs we've taken during the last four years. Several had been students at ECU in the 1970's and did not have a group like the GSA to attend. Times are changing. McPride's picnic proves that even glbt people in southeastern Oklahoma can be perfectly normal. We played volleyball in a public park all afternoon. How much more normal can you be? |
Originally published in Vol. 23, No. 19, 10/1/2005
Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved.