“But Pride is for everyone, for all of the LGBTQA+ community, and so it’s not just about a district. “The 39th St District has been a huge part of the Oklahoma City queer community history, and we do recognize them and appreciate everything that they’ve done and we still want to support them,” Tomlinson said. A county district judge ruled in favor of Gibbons in March. Mixed emotions over “ownership” of LGBTQ Pride between the 39th District and the OKC Pride Alliance have been stirring for years.Ī lawsuit was filed in December 2020 by John Gibbons, president of the 39th Street District Business Association, against the new OKC Pride Alliance over use and distribution of the logo and phrase “OKC Pride.” Gibbons had formerly been involved in the now-dissolved OKC Pride, Inc. And 39th District has always had Gay Pride, so that needs to be where it stays.” Whether they be Dallas or San Francisco or New York, it’s where they’re large and where their gay districts are. “You go anywhere else in any other gay community in America, they always have their parades in their districts. “I’ve been out for 35 years, and Gay Pride’s always been on 39th Street. “I have nothing against what’s going on downtown, but that’s a different alliance than this one on 39th,” said Michael Harrison, a staff member at the iconic District Hotel. The OKC Pride Alliance has no formal affiliation with the 39th District. It was the first time a celebratory event centering on the LGBTQ community was planned for Scissortail Park, rather than the 39th District, the city's historic LGBTQ enclave that has been the parade's traditional host. This year’s Pride Parade saw issues beyond weather and timing.
More: Oklahoma LGBTQ veterans find support, acceptance with Belong Group We show up in several different places that span beyond the LGBTQ+ community.” “Just like any other group, we are not monoliths. “We know that visibility helps people show up in a way that they have never been seen before, because it makes them feel seen and heard in their struggle,” Turner said. It’s just morphed from it.”īut Turner is inspired and encouraged by young people who are showing up in large numbers and expressing themselves in diverse ways. “The beast that our ancestors and role models were fighting back in the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, hasn’t just gone away. “The bigotry we now face is not just in our face, but it’s the covert hiring operation, it’s the laws that say we can’t educate people on gender diversity and gender expression,” Turner said. While reflecting on the historic win, Turner said the bigotry that many people have dealt with is not over. “I feel like the Pride Alliance choosing me showed that they’re not penalizing me for my history, but seeing me as a whole person.” “I was really surprised to be selected for this, because of my background as a police officer,” Sophia said.