A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Everything was positively Mister Rogers yesterday for the first annual “Come Out Knoxville” gay pride parade. As we lined up for the march, I asked city councilman Bob Becker whether he thought Mayor Haslam might speak next year. (He backed out, apparently worried for some reason.) Bob nodded. I imagine any mayor would be happy to speak to a group like ours.

After years of being sequestered in late-night bars, Knoxville’s gay (and straight) community came out loud and proud for a march along (why do you think they call it) Gay Street, a festival in Market square, speakers and a concert at Metropolitan Community Church. The weather was as lovely as the people, who marched, grinned, and danced their way through downtown supporting equal rights for all.

The march included banner-carrying members of tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. Metropolitan Community Church, and United Church of Christ. there were student groups from UT, Maryville College, and Pellissippi state. I also saw a lot of friends and neighbors. One a friend who is a public school teacher thought lots more Knoxvillians would likely be “out” next year, if organizer Gary Elgin keeps the new tradition going.

So Bluenecks, don’t throw your rainbow flags and pink triangles away yet. And (as Mr. Rogers would say) remember that you make every day a special day, just by your being you. -T