Burlington - Members of the queer community were invited to take part and to watch the Pride 2005 parade in downtown Burlington, which was the kickoff for the day’s events on Saturday, July 9. The march started in the back parking lot of Edmunds Middle School despite the relentless rain. Among them were the QLA Queer-leaders, who kept up the crowd's spirits. Marching in the parade as well were Outright with their handcrafted dragon puppet, The Freedom to Marry Task Force, and PFLAG, among others.
     The parade route ran along South Union St. to College, down College for a block, along South Winooski Avenue to Cherry St., then down Church St., ending up at the steps of City Hall, where the Kitchen Sink Samba played their last piece and Queerleaders danced until the speakout began, led off by activist Peggy Luhrs.
     The guest speakers brought many interesting things to light. Their messages rang throughout the street and were received by an eager crowd.
     A few words of the Speak Out could even be heard inside City Hall where local and queer organizations had set up stations. Among them were the Unitarian Church, Planned Parenthood, The Peace and Justice Center, and Noah’s Arc, along with numerous others. Each stand had either items for sale, information pamphlets, or other give-aways.
      For those with growling stomachs, R.U.1.2? and Mountain Pride Media had a barbecue from 12 to 4 with a grand variety of food, including real meat and even veggie meat, to choose from. The food was prepared outside under a tent, and then transported inside where there was a bustling but friendly crowd, happily munching and chatting. There were so many people, in fact, that some people decided to sit out on the porch and welcomed those coming later. Pearls had a fabulous gallery showing 30 artists from 3-7 pm. The entire downstairs was covered in marvelous works of creativity, some sold for a price. There were oils, pencil, ink, and even a movie! Included in the show was a film fest, drawing many observers.
       Over 200 people, bringing in $850 for Outright Vermont, came to see the Second Annual Vermont Drag Idol Show and Contest to see its contestants perform from 7 to 9. There were ten amazing participants including runners up Mario Brothers and Skippy. But Momma Morton came in first place, winning $50 cash, a gift certificate to Old Gold, and a trophy.
     The festivities went out with a bang at 135 Pearls where everyone over 21 attended the big Pride Party.
     Pride Committee treasurer Hannah Hauser estimated attendance at 1500 for all venues, a figure which does not take into account people visiting multiple venues or events.

Gabrielle Celeste will be a freshman at BHS. She lives in the New North End with her mother and two guinea pigs.

More pictures from Pride 2005!
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