From the Harris County Yellow Dog Dem mailing list:
Please join HCDP www.hcdp.org in the 27th annual
HOUSTON PRIDE PARADE
http://www.pridehouston.org/home/ Saturday NIGHT, June 25 promptly at 8:45pm
Harris Co. Democratic Party is Entry #42,
so out of 200 entries, we are delightfully close to the front
!!
Line-up is at 7pm in the 1800 block of Harold, which is the southside of Lanier MS . We are behind the HEB entry, which is usually a large truck, so that should be an easy landmark. We are not near the Peter Brown Campaign , which are at the end.
Streets are blocked off at 7:30, so arrive early for parking!! We also need someone to park at the end of the route , so we have car(s) to drive us back to the beginning!! Traffic is a nightmare!
HCDP has a loaned Escalade, upon which we will honor Rep. Senfronia Thompson as the longest serving member of the House, 34 years. She will be out of town, but other Reps. and Officials will be walking with us. However, almost every other Democratic elected official will be leading the parade before us!! The parade is appropriately VERY political this year and dominated by Democrats!
In addition to our usual neighborhood, Democratic club banners, we have a banner listing those Democrats who were supportive of gay rights by voting against HJR6. Then, we have another banner listing Republicans who were against HJR6, which will be BLANK. Believe it or not, there ARE lots of gay Republicans, so this should appeal to their common sense and self preservation!! This bit of comedy should make us very popular amongst the crowd and make the gay Republicans think again!!
Pride Parade rules are:
1)Have fun and be creative!!
2)No alcohol in the lineup or until after the parade is over. We will have water & soft drinks.
3)It will be HOT and it will rain on parade day ! The parade goes on no matter what! So expect it and plan for it, but U won't melt.
4)Safety is utmost. Wheel monitors will watch for safety hazards around the wheels and under the vehicle.
5)Wear comfy shoes! Leave the stilettos to the professionals. You couldn't compete with the drag queens anyway!
6)Flashlights and Glo-sticks are encouraged! It IS a night parade! As they say in theater, "We all need better lighting" , WE want to be seen!!
7)This is theater in the round, so SMILE, wave, and be friendly! We have always gotten a big Welcome! Feel free to flash the banners to the sidelines or pivot 360 in the street. Have fun and don't be in a hurry!!
8)We are allowed a 3minute performance at the GrandStands if we want? Radio and the cameras will tape us. The BLANK Republican banner should be a big hit and a media focus!!
9) It's OK to come alone and be with US! We need a big turnout, but just because Ur friends won't come, doesn't meant U can't participate. Your awareness, participation, and donations of time/money are vital to the future of our community! Idea of Pride is to meet new people!! U can meet Ur friends later for the parties.
Theme of the Parade is appropriately:
Equal Rights: NO More, NO Less!!
The Pride Parade has evolved to become the 2nd largest parade in Houston, attracting over 200,000 spectators and participants to celebrate Houston's diversity. Because it is a night event, there is an added dimension of festivity and excitement. Please join us for this delightful event and allow the Gay community to thank US personally for our support with our appearance in their parade!
Special ThanX! to ROADwomen (RiverOaksDemocraticWomen) for paying the entry fee and submitting it last February, to insure that we have a lineup postion near the front, thereby shortening the wait-time before step-off by hours !!
Cordially,
max
Max Beauregard