Pride event, including drag queen story hour, set for riverfront

By Gari Voss

The last time Allegan, Speak Up! hosted an event was the Black Lives Matter “Sit In” on June 6, 2020. Their voices were heard peacefully in order to protest needless violence towards Blacks propagated by the death of George Floyd.
With the support of law enforcement led by Allegan City Police Chief Jay Gibson and Allegan County Sheriff Frank Baker, the event brought more than 100 people to the corners of Hubbard and Cedar Streets. With Eddie and Elvin Quinones-Walker and their team working with security, the response was a meaningful demonstration with few incidences from drive-by bullies.
Now, Allegan, Speak Up! is moving toward providing education and fun for the LGTBQIA+ community during Allegan Out Loud, An Inclusion Pride Event on Saturday, August 21, 2022 from 3 to 9pm along the Allegan Riverfront.
The day’s events begin at 3pm with storytelling for children that focuses on inclusion, diversity and acceptance. The storytellers bill themselves as Drag Queens, but their acting abilities engage the audience in accepting themselves and embracing each others differences. Children and their parents should meet in Hanson Park behind the Allegan District Library. From there, they will be escorted to the storytelling venue.
Beginning at 4pm, vendors, food, music and games will be available along the Boardwalk.
From 5-6pm, a variety of Speakers will assist in educating the audiences on the LGTBQIA+ community. Again, there will be emphasis on understanding, diversity and acceptance. Those attending will be able to hear different perspective on understanding the importance of being different and accepting those differences, and engage in substantive discussions.
At 7pm, the Drag Queens take the stage thanks to Beauty Beyond Drag Productions. DeeDee Chaunte will host with La Reine Divine. Performers will include Nani, Alexa, Vogel, Brit, and Daya Molayne-Chaute.
Allegan, Speak Up! feels Allegan can learn more about the LGTBQIA+ community. Those who are considered “gay” are regular people who love to have a good time, enjoy friends of all sexual persuasions, dance, eat, play and laugh. They are devoted to their families and friends, and want to be able to share that love out loud, without being hidden.
When asked if Allegan is ready to learn more about being LGTBQIA+, event organizer Eddie Quinones-Walker explained, “When asked if Allegan is “ready” for a pride celebration, I always say that we shouldn’t be focused on the readiness. We should be asking ourselves if there is a need within the community. Take a short walk or drive though our city and you will see a sever lack of representation and resources for LGBTQI+ individuals. That doesn’t mean that Allegan doesn’t have many of us living within it. It just means that we are being overlooked and stifled. Therefore, I see a great need within our community for a pride event – especially with the youth.”
While there have been many community members expressing their pride for Allegan hosting the celebration, there have also been a number of negative comments.
The City of Allegan and Allegan County law enforcement individuals have been monitoring social media for signs of people who will come to heckle or disrupt those participating in the celebration.
As of August 15, 2022, Chief Jay Gibson was able to share, “Thankfully, we haven’t received  any concerning information yet. I will be working the event, along one of my Sergeants on the SWAT team. We have also requested a couple of reserves.”
To have a better handle on disruptions, Allegan, Speak Up! has contracted with a private security firm that monitored the Battle Creek and Grand Rapids Pride Celebrations. These professionals have focused on the concerns of event attendees and participants. Their role is to monitor and observe in order to prevent undesired interactions.
Who are the hecklers?
Those who come to Pride Celebrations have a variety of reasons for showing their displeasure. One group of individuals may refer to the Bible, others may refer to hating those who do not meet “gender norms” while others strive for the superiority of White males related to peer dynamics and are thrilled to “assault” emotionally or physically those they consider to have less power.
If a religious protestor attends a Pride gathering, he/she may hold signs stating “Homosexuality is Immoral” and may site a verse from the Old Testament like Leviticus 18:22 or some New Testament reference. Therefore, they stand on their moral prowess.
For individuals who feel that homosexuality does not meet gender norms, their signals may be varied, but can lead to an action that demonstrates their hatred toward those not following norms. The hatred may be because, like the Knights Templar, this is a sin against nature or the natural practices of animals. Or it may follow some cultural or country norm that homosexuality is a social disgrace or a form of mental illness. The belief may be that any act against nature or society must be punished.
Wanting power over others may manifest itself with mild bullying or extreme physical pain. More often, males look at LGTBQIA+ individuals as inferior. The behaviors toward gay people are similar to those of hatred toward people of races other than White. Research has found that power incidents against gays have been noted to be more prevalent in the Southern States and with those trending toward conservative political views.
Large Pride Celebrations across Michigan have been enjoyed by homo and heterosexual individuals and groups. Most gatherings have had a police presence, but some like Grand Rapids have relied on specialized security companies who monitor potential anti-groups.
Allegan has a growing number LGTBQIA+ individuals and families. These people do not wish to promote their differences, but wish to demonstrate their likenesses. Humans, no matter physical differences, are social beings. Some may be more introvert or extravert, but there is a basic desire for acceptance, love and caring – to be cared about/for and to care about/for others.
Just as Allegan, Speak Up! wanted to address social injustice in Black Lives Matter, they would like to reduce negativity toward all people who are different whether because of race, creed, skin color, sexual preference or physical/mental impairment. Organizers feel that Allegan Out Loud is a great beginning.