My
favorite demonstration of the year is always the drag march.
Last year the spectacle before pride helped usher in a gay marriage
and a year of occupations, unpermited parades, and unprecedented
energy. It felt like mardi gras throughout the unpermitted march
dance party. As the year passed, the streets of New York filled with
occupations, new situations, street riots, colorful responces,
arrests, defiant expressions, acts of repression, accompanied by
gestgures of creative resistance, moving onward, backward. With each
move closer to the queen, the state countered with a increasingly
aggressive reaction, point counterpoint. The power of
ridicule, of play is to challenge these moves to those in power have
no idea what is taking place or how to respond.
 |
| Mark Addams, featured in the middle above, is known as one of the most playful of activists in OWS. He is also a man with a prophetic voice, ready to engage in civil disobedience for what he believes in. As I write this, he is jailed in Rikers Island for tresspassing in a private space owned by a Church with a real estate arm with holdings once given to them by the queen of England. |
Yet, sometimes even
the most playful of spectacles are received with a frown, an over
reaction or an arrest. Few have ever accused the NYPD of having a
sense of humor. New
York's public spaces tend to function as stage sets for a theater of politics and possibility,
particularly in the last weeks in June.
Still
Friday night, these worlds and ambitions would crash into one evening
of Casseroles Marches with Zombies and pots and pans running against
traffice, a Street Party with a marching band, and a march gender
role subverting, radical faeries roming from East Village to West
where Gay Liberation had a coming party the last week fo June 1969.
"Im
hoping for a grand convergence of Queerball Night of the Living Debt
and the fabulous Drag March at some point this evening," mused
my friend Madeline on facebook. "We're gonna rock lower
Manhattan."
"Will
there be a Queen-Zombie convergence?" another friend asked after
she saw my post. "That'd be pretty awesome"
I
posted the call for the annual drag march in my facebook page with a
message to those considerring their multiple options for weekend
filled with trans, dyke, gay, drag, and naked mermaid marches. "For
those who hope to march outside of parades with corporate sponsors
and tens of zillions of cops, join us for one of my favorite
pride events, the drag march at dusk."
The
call announced the drag march would take place:
Today
7:00pm until 10:00pm
Tompkins Square Park
Queens, Kings, Otherwise & In-Betweens
Put 'em marchin' heels on. This is the fuckin' DRAG MARCH!
Begins at Tompkins Square Park [Avenue A & St Marks entrance].
... March to the Stonewall Inn at Sheridan Square.
We gather & circle in Tompkins Square Park before marching West to the Stonewall Inn.
"The very first Drag March happened 19 years ago as an (unofficial) part of the Stonewall 25 commemorations - the organizers of Stonewall 25 didn't wish leather or drag at their event thus our event was propelled into being..."
~Drag March Co-Founder Harmonie Moore of the NYC Church Ladies for Choice
We still gather & march each year because -- well -- we can!
Put on a frock and join us!
Rain or shine (please shine)...
There are two Places to Dress before the Drag March this year.
Le Petit Versailles & Amichai's apartment on St.Marks.
It will be a 'good idea' to bring drink [etc.] to share and a mirror [if possible] to either place.
Folks will be able to return for items post march -- but should coordinate that in person with their perspective hosts... ♥
Le Petit Versailles
346 East Houston St
@ Avenue C.
Dressing between 2pm & 7pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The
call for the street party was equally provocative, framing the street
party as anti- assimilationist extravaganza.
l
strikes back: a radical stree party
...because Stonewall wasn’t the beginning and marriage isn’t the end!
MEET US: At the end of the Trans March! Gathering at 6:30pm in Washington Square and leaving at 7pm. Look for the Queerball Banner on the edge of the TDOA Rally!
DANCE, DISSENT & TAKE THE STREETS TO: Tompkins Square Park & the Drag March! Dancing and chanting facilitated by the RUDE MECHANICAL ORCHESTRA!
THEN GATHER: outside of Stonewall after the Drag March, for a glittery, theatrical Anti-Awards Ceremony, paying sarcastic tribute to some of the jerks who’ve sold us out!
WHY?!
Because it SUCKS (and not in a hot way) to not be represented, and to be misrepresented, by mainstream Pride celebrations.
Because we CAN'T BUY LIBERATION with corporate-sponsored Pride -- but we can come together, dissent, and have rowdy fun for FREE.
Because we, too, get to make & TAKE UP SPACE for ourselves and our own politics.
Because radical queerness has to be about DISMANTLING SYSTEMIC OPPRESSION including white supremacy, capitalism, the class system, ableism, colonialism & imperialism alongside (and not after) homophobia, transphobia & patriarchy.
Because we want space to BRING TOGETHER folks of many queer identities, rather than dividing and subdividing ourselves into segments or fighting over identity & territory.
Because we're hot, we're diverse and inclusive, and we're gonna be SEEN & HEARD.
BRING?!
Noise & Music Makers: buckets, drums, pots & pans, tambourines, horns, kazoos + tools to get us dancing through the streets.
Posters: make your politics visible with messages that show that “Stonewall wasn’t the beginning and marriage isn’t the end!” Think NYC budget cuts to homeless youth, the prison-industrial complex’s targeting of QTPOC, the appropriation of queer movements by corporations for profit, the promotion of gay rights to mask human rights abuses... oh my!
Visual Spectaculars: costumes, headwear, boas, bow ties, sparkles & glitter, whatever makes you feel queer + whatever makes you feel sexy.
Mobile Talents: hula hoops, stilts, acrobatics, contortions, face-painting, tarot reading + DANCE MOVES.
Every queer, homo, gender-transgressor, radical, alphabet-soup-inspiring, awesome, fun, or angry person you know or like.
WHO?!
You. Me. Your besties. Your lovers. Your comrades. queerball@gmail.com.
 |
| Events such as Queerball remind us that equality will not provide a single shelter bed for homeless youth in need of a space to call home. shelter bed for homeless youth in need of a space to call home. |
And
then there was the call for the Zombie March:
Night
of the Living Debt
=======
6PM Solidarity Summer Assembly
7PM Debt Zombie exorcism by Rev Billy Talen
8PM Casserolesmarch
*************
On Friday, June 22nd, 7PM at Washington Square Park, NYC students will rise from the DEBT. Get ready for a zombie-walk!
"David Graeber, the anthropologist who wrote the soon-to-be-classic Debt: The First 5,000 Years, likens the process [of acquiring a student loan] to a horror movie, in which the zombies or the vampires attack the humans as a kind of recruitment policy. 'They turn you into one of them,' as Graeber told me."-Thomas Frank
http://bit.ly/JOez0O
On June 22nd, in solidarity with the Quebec student strike, NYC students will rise up from their eternal slumber, in a night of undead mischief. If they will not give us free education, we will be forced to eat brains!
Come in your zombie best and let Rev. Billy Talen exorcise your Student Debt Demons
This is the fourth weekly Casseroles event in NYC, so bring your casseroles (pots and pans)!
These marches were originated in solidarity with the student strike in Quebec and we hope to build momentum for an American student strike in the Fall. We believe education is a right, not just for the rich & white. So join us on our weekly marches starting at Washington Square Park.
In 2010, the average college graduate had accumulated over $25,000 in student loan debt by graduation day. Approximately two-thirds of all college students graduate with student loans.
On July 1, 2012, the interest rate on federally subsidized Stafford loans is set to double from 3.4% to 6.8% unless Congress takes action.
NYC students have faced rising student debt for far too long. The strike in Quebec symbolizes a struggle for a system that provides everyone equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Debt is slavery and education is the liberation that will help us win all our struggles. It is time to bring Quebec's infinite strike to the United States, starting in NYC.
Check out videos from our past marches:
http://youtu.be/59AVG74Bvic
http://youtu.be/XAKIE8Wop_w
Here's a link with a lot of resources that explain the Québéc student movement pretty well:
=======
6PM Solidarity Summer Assembly
7PM Debt Zombie exorcism by Rev Billy Talen
8PM Casserolesmarch
*************
On Friday, June 22nd, 7PM at Washington Square Park, NYC students will rise from the DEBT. Get ready for a zombie-walk!
"David Graeber, the anthropologist who wrote the soon-to-be-classic Debt: The First 5,000 Years, likens the process [of acquiring a student loan] to a horror movie, in which the zombies or the vampires attack the humans as a kind of recruitment policy. 'They turn you into one of them,' as Graeber told me."-Thomas Frank
http://bit.ly/JOez0O
On June 22nd, in solidarity with the Quebec student strike, NYC students will rise up from their eternal slumber, in a night of undead mischief. If they will not give us free education, we will be forced to eat brains!
Come in your zombie best and let Rev. Billy Talen exorcise your Student Debt Demons
This is the fourth weekly Casseroles event in NYC, so bring your casseroles (pots and pans)!
These marches were originated in solidarity with the student strike in Quebec and we hope to build momentum for an American student strike in the Fall. We believe education is a right, not just for the rich & white. So join us on our weekly marches starting at Washington Square Park.
In 2010, the average college graduate had accumulated over $25,000 in student loan debt by graduation day. Approximately two-thirds of all college students graduate with student loans.
On July 1, 2012, the interest rate on federally subsidized Stafford loans is set to double from 3.4% to 6.8% unless Congress takes action.
NYC students have faced rising student debt for far too long. The strike in Quebec symbolizes a struggle for a system that provides everyone equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Debt is slavery and education is the liberation that will help us win all our struggles. It is time to bring Quebec's infinite strike to the United States, starting in NYC.
Check out videos from our past marches:
http://youtu.be/59AVG74Bvic
http://youtu.be/XAKIE8Wop_w
Here's a link with a lot of resources that explain the Québéc student movement pretty well:
The
overlap between the queer and occupy crowds has prooven vexing,
engaging, and occasionally frustrating. Whle
natural bedfellows, many in queer circles have debated the merits and
meanings of queer struggles for something better for everyone and a
gay approach to earning equality for decades. Queers suggest
equality equals bland, dumbing down the movement and its goals of a
better, more colorfulworld for everyone. They argue going along to
get along is not the stuff of movements for social change.
"Assimilation = Extinction"argued Clifton Webb on the
queering OWS Website, posting a "Call
to Action: Reclaim Pride From the 1% #OccuPride" from the
Pink Block. It stated:
#OccuPride
#OccuQueers #Tranarchism #PinkBloc
Pride
2012: The Struggle for Sexual and Gender Justice Continues
This
summer, communities across the world will celebrate Pride Festivals
commemorating the birth and victories of the Gay and Trans Liberation
Movements. Despite the profound social change these movements have
accomplished since the first high-heels were thrown over the
barricades at Compton's Cafeteria and the Stonewall
Inn, it is clear that the struggle for queer, trans, and
gender-variant liberation is far from finished.
From
California to North Carolina, and around the world, our relationships
remain under assault by the State. The progress made so-far by the
established LGBT Rights movement has been uneven, excluding trans
women, homeless youth and elders, people of color, low-income and
poor communities, immigrants, gender non-conforming people, people
with disabilities, neurovariant people and sex workers — the very
communities whose militant resistance to police brutality and vice
patrol raids first gave life to the Gay and Trans Liberation
movement. Now, the life-or-death (primarily economic) needs of
marginalized people are ignored by the mainstream LGBT Rights
movement in favor of symbolic victories for relatively-privileged
members of our communities.
For
too long, we have been force-fed an ¨LGBT Rights¨ program centered
largely around the priorities of wealthy gay cisgender white men
(whom writer Allison Kilkenny aptly referred to as the 1% of the
LGBTQ community). Of course every relationship should be cherished
and honored. But why are we fighting for marriage equality while
trans, queer, and gender non-conforming people are dying, losing
their jobs, and being locked up at dramatically higher rates
than straight, cisgender populations? Why are we fighting for a few
more documented monogamous couples to be let into an exclusionary
institution instead of demanding health care, immigration
status, respect, and autonomy for everyone? Of course no one
should be discriminated against on their job (or anywhere). But why
are we celebrating the repeal of the U.S. military's Don't Ask Don't
Tell policy (which does not even benefit trans servicemembers in any
way) while soldiers are still being sent to die in unjust wars and
veterans are doomed to poverty because every social program has been
cut in the name of austerity?
Transgender
people face universal job discrimination and half have considered
suicide. In Washington, D.C. alone, at least half a dozen trans women
of color have died violently in the past year, and there are many
more in other cities. We will not fight for inclusion in
institutions that are built on profit, hierarchy, competition,
violence, incarceration, and coercion — especially when these very
institutions are the ones carrying out our oppression by killing us,
putting us in jails, and leaving us hungry in the streets. We do not
need to assimilate into an unjust system. We need mutual aid. We need
a revolt. We need — we demand — homes, food,
communities, health care, and legal status for all. We demand the end
of poverty, criminalization, police brutality, profiling in the
criminal justice system, ¨bullying¨ (better known to us as assault
and harassment), psychiatric control of our identities, and
discrimination. We demand a radically re-imagined society,
and we are here to build it.
Why
#Occupy Pride?
Adding
insult to injury, the Gay Elite who hijacked the movement also sold
one of our most important annual festivals to the highest bidder.
What once was a celebration of open defiance against violently
State-enforced sexual norms and gender hierarchies became a marketing
and advertising venue for ¨gay-friendly¨ banks and corporations,
complete with entrance fees, merchandizing, and $15,000-a-plate
fundraising galas. Decision-making became further centralized in the
hands of an emerging white, wealthy LGBT upper-class.
This
year in NYC, Pride is sponsored by notorious union-busters,
foreclosure profiteers, and other corporations desperate to pinkwash
their image like Wells Fargo, Citigroup, AT&T, Whole
Foods, and Target. From ejecting veterans of
Stonewall because they were trans women of color, to banning
free speech for queers who take a stance against social
injustices, Pride has been effectively depoliticized and removed from
its true history.
This
year, we will reclaim Pride. We will truly honor decades of
militant resistance by carrying those struggles into the present and
future. We call on a broadly-inclusive coalition of people to
#OccuPride.
 |
| Marsha and Sylvia and the Street Trans Action Revolutionaries. |
We
remember the work of groups like the Street
Transvestite/Transgender Action Revolutionaries, a radical network of
trans women of color and sex workers in New York who provided housing
and mutual aid and allied themselves with the Black Panthers and the
Young Lords. We pay homage to the sex worker activists who
jump-started a movement against State-enforced morality and for human
rights by occupying churches across the world (with the help of many
clergy — Trinity on Wall Street has a lot to learn from
them). We carry on the traditions of the trans and gender
non-conforming civil rights activists who held sit-ins at lunch
counters to take direct action against transphobic and racist
discrimination.
We
stand in solidarity with the AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power (ACT
UP), who continue to use creative direct action to end the
HIV/AIDS crisis. We support the queer and trans youth who
occupy Christopher Street Pier in defiance of
gentrification. We send our love to, and demand the immediate release
of, CeCe McDonald, a young trans woman of color in Minneapolis
who is currently incarcerated for defending herself against a
violent racist, transphobic attack.
This
summer, we invite you to join us. Form a militant trans-feminist
bloc, show your unashamed support for sex workers, or march with an
anti-capitalist queer contingent for your local Pride march. Set up
an info-table or booth at the Pride Festival (but don't pay for it).
Distribute literature that reminds people of the radical history of
Pride. Hold a benefit for CeCe McDonald. Mic-check against the
corporate cooptation of our movement. Crash a Gay 1% fundraising
gala. Take over a building and give it to homeless queer and trans
youth. Organize your own DIY alternative Pride full of radical
workshops and free dance parties. Get creative. Stay militant. Never
give up.
We
are the 99%. We are here to recruit you.
With
queer love,
Trans
World Order, the trans ladies (and our allies) who brought you
OccupyWallSt.org
More
Info: Off your computers and into the streets!
Debate
about the call spread far and wide. While some wanted to march in
the pride parade, others followed the lead of anti-assimiliationist
groups such as Gay Shame and Radical Homosexual Agenda, who have said
there is no point in OccupyWallStreet based groups participating in
an an event sponsored by the very banks and corporations, OWS has
been challenging for months. A few of these corporate sponsors for
the NYC parade include: CitiGroup, AT&T, Coke, Target, Macy's, TD
Bank, W Hotel, Delta, NY Life, and Walgreens among others. Many
opposed having anything to do with an event they were sponsoring.
Afterall, the point of Occupy was to fight forclosures, not support
events banks which forclose donate to. Others thought the point was
to get the message out to the millions who come to the parade.
The
result was a discussioin on facebook addressing queer and
assimiationist conflicts daing back to the earliest days of gay
liberation.
Brandon
Cuicchi would argue: "I think OWS.org is primarily trans
activists who helped inspire/organize OWS in the beginning. I think
the letter is just a rallying cry to inspire thought and action in a
general sense. It's not necessarily proposing THE plan for NYC; it's
just using NYC as an example and throwing out suggestions. It's also
educating people about Pride's roots as an unsanctioned event and the
corporate changes to it over the years. I don't know if we'll reach
consensus on all aspects of Pride. It feels like some people are fine
with registering and marching in Pride and others might rather
interrupt Pride. I'm not convinced it's important either way. It's
not like the tens of thousands of queers who attend and maybe heard
about Occupy a few times will be like, "Oh man, do you think
they registered?" or "They're for real because they didn't
register." Whether we're registered or not, we'll still
upset/disrupt/subvert the dominant, corporate nature of it. "
Amelia
Sabine Rebelle chimed in noting: "... as a poor, neurovariant
trans woman, I don't really think I can support any assimilationist
tendencies nor a capitalist pride that serves only to be a reminder
that more often than not, those with privilege (i.e., white, cis,
neurotypical, able-bodied, middle-upper class, etc.) tend to throw
the rest of us under the bus for any chance at gaining a little more
privilege. that privilege comes at the expense of others, and I want
no part in conforming to a toxic, destructive homonormativity..."
Todd
Tif Fernandez followed noting: "... obviously everyone has
their own perspective. But there is a huge difference between being
upset with the gay inc. establishment agenda, and even how pride has
evolved into what it is today, heavily corporate sponsored, etc. - on
the one hand - and working to liberate us from oppression at the
societal and legal level.... The root of this oppression precedes
capitalism as we know it today - but is very rooted in the similar
underlying issues of greed and power. Calculated homophobia - though
it's all about gender ultimately and oppression of the feminine imo -
goes back to colonial times ...."
The
meetings for Queering OWS were open and many active participants took
part, wit h
far
less of those who commended into the flame war attending the meeting.
Eventually, those who attended the meeting would endorse marching in
the parade. After listenning to weeks of this discussion, long-time
OWS participant Steven Menendez chimed in that he felt like there was
very little room for the words "love" or care or affect or
"joy" in the debate. After literally decades of this
debate about assimilation vs radical queer outsider status, Mendez'
argument resonated
with many.
The
last time I took part in the Pride Parade it was with SexPanic! in
1999. We brought Rudy's Sex Mobile driving down the parade route,
with two semi dressed women making out on the front of the car, as
others shot water guns at the crowd and each other. We passed out
signs declaring, "Because Rudy Hates You!" And eventually,
hhe police pushed us off the parade route. When we asked about our
first amendment rights, they explained these gave us a right to spend
the weekend in jail. When the corporations and police dictate the
agenda, these conflicts happen. Too much crowd control for me. When
the corporatoins sponsor our events, certain messages just will not
be tolerated. The police will be there to make sure the right images
is communicated. Still, some would take part in the drag and trans
marches on Friday before the parade. Others would support the Dyke
March, or join with ACT UP and Occupride Sunday.
 |
| The Times Up! sound bike on its way to the ACT UP 25 demonstration where it supported the speeches and action. by PeeWee |
As
it has done the
previous two years, Times
Up! brought a sound bike to the parade. I attended the
beginnings of the trans march in Washington Square before going to
pick up the sound bike. Torrential rains filled the sky It rained
as we set up the bike in the Times Up! Williamsberg Space. Yet by 7
PM, the sky was clear once again as we traversed back into Manhattan.
Riding
through the East Village to the ride, my mind trails through memories
of the countless other drag marches I have taken part in every year
since 1999, only missing one in 2003 after our first daughter was
born and for a trip to Italy in 2005. The intersection of
communities, between the Radical Faeries, Church Ladies, Anarcists,
radical cyclists, critical mass participants, radical queers, radical
marching band members, ravers, long time gay liberationists, AIDS,
harm reduction, sex work, and global justice actiivists, performance
articists and homeless folks, these communities help make this open
space inviting for everyone to take part. Taking part in Critical
Mass, Brad Will joined the march at one point in 2000 or running into
Mattilda or Stonewall veteran Bob Kohler along the way. So many
memories.
Arriving
at 7:30, I encountered hundreds and hundreds of well dressed village
people in various assortments of drag, women with moustaches, men in
gowns, faeries, friends, and heros, such as Randolfe
Wicker, who helped organize the first Gay Picketline in US history in
1965. He was there to interview those taking part. We talked
about Bob
Kohler, as well as Sylvia, and Marsha P Johnson, who were once
Wicker's roommates. Their quircky friendship is part part of what
drives this movement. Countless supporters, including members of the
Marsha P. Johnson Brigade, carried Marsha P Johnson and Rivera signs.
As it got closer and closer to 8 PM, few seemed interested in
circling up for the Faeries ritual before the march. Those in the
park appeared to be enjoying catching up and vamping for the cameras
and in no rush to leave.
As
we talked, the Queerball Radical Street Party crashed into Tompkins
Park, bringing a marching band followed by police along with them.
They
played; people danced and the faerie ritual did failed to
commense. I was more than happy to catch up with the members
of the RMO who had done such a great job with clinic defense, when
few else would attend two weeks prior.
 |
| Pearl and Michel... photographer unknown. If available, please email me. |
 |
| The author by Randolfe Wicker |
 |
| imjustmadaboutsaffron who rode the sound bike from williamsberg and back. Randolfe Wicker |
Finishing
dancing with them, I looked up to see my friend Michael
Tikili, an AIDS activist with Healthgap who was attending his first
drag march and looking very much much like Donna Summer in
doing so. He was accompanied by drag icon Pearl McLove. Soon
enough, circles overlapped between those dancing to the RMO and the
Radical Faeries who ushered
in the spirits of the East, West, North, and South. And the
march was off.
 |
| Huckelfaery leads the faerie ritual. by E. Gonzalvez |
Meanderring
West, the sun shone in a vibrant red sunset. I greeted friends along
the way we as danced to Queer, "I want to be Free."
Several buddies from the Church of Stop Shopping Walked along. A few
chanted, the OWS chant, "Shits Fucked up, Shits fucked up and
bullshit." But it didn't catch on. Neither did "We Don't
Want to Merry, We just want to fuck" an anti assimilationist
chant popular in the late 1990's. We talked about Occupy and the
crazy year which has passed. "It seems more subdued than last
year," he observed. "People have been through a lot this
year." Last year was the beginning of an earth quake of actions
through the summer, fall and winter. But at a certain point people
breathe and slow down.
A
few of us sang the Merry Tyler Moore theme song.
 |
| The sun going down as we travel west. Nancy Borowick |
As
was approaced the Stonewall, a few chimed in with, "Arrest us
just try it, Stonewall was a riot. It was more a joyous engagement
between those roaring in approval from the sidewalks and those
enjoying being togeter as we marched, dancing, drummed. Donald lead
us in "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in front of the
Stonewall. And
people reveled in being alive. The unpermited rally is acelebration of a new way of people coming together to shareconnections between bodies, music, and a movement in time.
 |
| Effrain Gonzalve |
For
the most part, the subdued quality of the event continued as the
drummers ended their beats and the sound bike took over. "I
will survive," "Its raining men," "Dancing Queen"
and "I Can't Get No Satisfaction" filled the air. The
police starting moving in and few of us were moving. No point in
moving we consensed. Last year, we had pushed the police off the
street, unarresting one of the activists involved. The year before,
we had to pushed back into the streets, once the police left.
 |
| The NYPD Crushing Popular Dissent. Pearl McLove. |
There
are peole I see every year at the drag march, in the streets, in the
corridors of my memories between movements and friendship networks of
resistance. Its a space to let out some of our crazy, free er selves,
in the streets and support these networks of care and action. "Thank
you to everyone -- especially our dear Sis Hucklefaery Ken and
everyone else who did the negotiating/dealing with police/etc.,"
Seth Stewart wrote on facebook after the action.
"... but also to everyone else who threw on a frock (or a
suit) -- for a wonderful night tonight. And thank you to Saint Marsha
P. Johnson and our other blessed trancestors for giving us this
glorious night. I've reason to [believe] that Heaven is one long
Drag March with endless friendly bars and cafes along the way. I look
forward to it. xxx Na-Gig"
 |
| Scenes from Occupride NYC by Mickey Z Vegan |
There
was a lot of gratitude in the air throughout the weekend, as cascades
of queers celebrated that God is a Lesbian at Dyke March, dressed as
Mermaides, Occupride churned forward on Sunday, and Steven Mendez
found his way back into the Pride Parade with a little audacity.
"I
voluntarily led the march with a couple of friends ... " he
explained, after taking part in countless Occupy events the World
Naked Bike Ride, summer civil disobedience school, the Mermaid
Parade and Drag March in just the last few days. "We were in
front of the Heritage of Pride opening banner followed by Cindi
Lauper the Grand Marshall!! I had an incredible experience!! I kissed
at least 500 people on the cheek during the march!! I was overwhelmed
with JOY, LOVE and Pride!! ♥" Go Steven!
Just
another day in the life in an Occupied City. I wish I could have
taken part in more. Some of my favorite activists took part in all
the events; others in one or another, the drag or dyke marches, or
even the megga rally on Sunday.
 |
| Steven carrying a photo of Marsha P Johnson by Randolfe Wicker |
In
the end, Occupy chapters marched and made
their presense known in pride parades in around the country.
Carrying signs declaring "Community, Not Commodity," they
brought
the Occupy message to each, all while contending with the co opting,
fanancially controlling presense of corporations ready to curtail the
message of a movement once pround to critiqque and subvert rather
than accept donations with strings attached. Here, the point remains
as always, there is something bigger, free er and more intriguing
than going along to get along. The drag march images of Sylvia,
Marsha P Johnson, of Randy Wicker filming, of the Street Parties, and
dancing queens, and so many more cascading between Critical Mass
rides and riots remind us another world really is possible, if only
we can dream it, or imagine it across the rainbow on the other side
of the city and ourselves.
 |
| SF Occupride by Liz Highleyman |
