PrideFest Did you like it?

Yes I finally did go to Pride Fest. It was OK I suppose if you like the carnival atmosphere, entertainment, booze and food. Although they did put together a fabulous Pride Guide, I was disappointed to see that there was only one political issue on the Stonewall Stage. That was the issue of transgender rights. Now that we went down in flames big times on the Marriage issue we've lost our interest in the political arena. No body wanted to listen back when I was on the Action Wisconsin Board that they would be opening a Hornets Nest of opposition if they went for the Marriage thing. I suggested instead that we should get our foot in the door first by going after as many Domestic Partner Benefits as we could, then and only then go for the marriage thing. But nobody wanted to listen and not only did we lose but it is now codified in the Constitution that marriage is between one Man and one Woman.

That leads me to the Commitment Ceremony conducted at PrideFest. Each year it has gotten smaller and smaller. This year there were perhaps only ten couples, mostly young adults who attended the event. The introduction by one of the female ministers mentioned that they could not use any of the words such as marriage or much of the traditional wording that is part and parcel to a commitment ceremony. I don't think that was even necessary. That whole part could have been left out and the alternatively worded ceremony recited. That was like pouring gasoline on the flames. Why in the world make it any worse than it already is? Personally I don't think we need another Commitment Ceremony next year. I think it denigrates the sanctity of marriage or commitment when it is performed in a Carnival atmosphere. If anyone from PrideFest is reading this, I think it would be best that this be ended. Those who wish to partake of a commitment ceremony should do so at the church or religious institution of their choosing.

Correct me if I am wrong but I heard that there were no fireworks. I also heard that the vendors had to pay to get in. Although they set another record attendance record, many of the volunteer organizations made less than in the past.

I guess while I'm on a roll bitching, a friend of mine who very seldom carries any cash found that some of the vendors did not take charge cards. To make matters worse the Cash machines were out to boot. I would think that if a vendor wants to sell their wares at the festival, they should be required to take charge cards the same as cash. I think as do many others that Summerfest's switch to cash really sucks. I think that the old way of purchasing tickets for beer or food was better. Of course that is only my humble opinion.

And how was your day?