As we move towards our postponed PrideFest celebration in September, we have a couple more months to plan. We can always use a few more warm bodies to help and our planning meetings are always open to everyone. I would like to see more diversity in our volunteers and committee members. A nice spread of differently aged people, a spectrum of sexual orientations and genders would all be greatly welcomed. Consider this a call not only the LGBT community in Des Moines, but to our straight allies that have been wonderfully supportive. We need all of you to make this event successful in celebrating and embracing the diversity that Des Moines has to offer.
There is a misconception, not only in Des Moines, that LGBT events are only for those that identify as LGBT and that heterosexual people are not welcome. Let’s put this to rest right here and now. Yes, PrideFest provides a safe place for LGBT people to come together and celebrate our LGBT-ness, but I like to celebrate right along side of my hetero brothers and sisters. Building community is the most important aspect of PrideFest. Working with businesses in and around the Des Moines metro has opened a lot of doors for Capital City Pride and guess what? A lot of these business owners and our contacts at the larger corporations are straight.
How do we as LGBT citizens of Des Moines welcome our straight allies? First, let’s stop rolling our eyes at the hetero couples we see holding hands on the sidewalks. And muttering, “Damn breeders,” under our breaths. The old saying of never judge a book by it’s cover has proven to be true time and again for me. Instead, strike up a conversation. I bet you will be surprised at the outcome.
What does it take to be a volunteer for Capital City Pride? I pulled the definition of volunteer from Wikipedia:
“A volunteer is someone who works for free for a community or for the benefit of natural environment primarily because they choose to do so. The word comes from Latin, and can be translated as “will” (as in doing something out of ones own free will). Many serve through a non-profit organization – sometimes referred to as formal volunteering, but a significant number also serve less formally, either individually or as part of a group.
By definition, a volunteer worker does not get paid or receive compensation for services rendered other than reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.”
Notice that nowhere in this definition does it state that you have to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or even straight to be a volunteer. We at Capital City Pride hold this true. No matter how you identify, you are welcome at our table.
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