How are we doing pridefest?

Don't you think it's about time we hear something from pridefest? It's been several months since pridefest and not one word other than the very short article in the Quest and QLife magazines (see my post below) assuring us that although there were some problems and pridefest will go on. We all know from inclement weather and protesters at the front gates that revenue was down, but how far down, that is the question? I think most people in the community would like to know how things are going. Or is this like years past another one of those gigantic mess ups that almost put them into bankruptcy? Strangely history seems to repeat itself. Is this what has happened or once again? Is this why they are staying strangely quiet? Inquiring minds would like to know.

Pridefest unfortunately because of the dates that they have chosen for the festival makes them self highly dependent upon the weather. If we get really good weather and it's warm out, which is very uncertain at the beginning of June, is likely that pridefest will be quite a success. On the other hand should we get bad weather attendance will be down and so won't revenues.

In past years we have dealt with the usual protesters who have caused very little if any problems. This year however, which I tried to point out to them and was unfortunately blown off, that they were in for a major protest. I contacted the president of pridefest and indicated that the Neo-Nazis and Bash Back Milwaukee were going to protest on Saturday in front of the festival grounds. Almost all of the various media in the city of Milwaukee were notified and each covered the protests. Why pridefest organizers did not take these warnings to heart, I do not know. I just wonder if their is insurance covered all the extra police protection that was needed? Or has this also added to the problems that currently exist? Inquiring minds would like to know.

I just wonder about the advertising that pridefest is doing sponsoring various entertainment in order to boost its revenues? After all they can't repeat what happened in the past to ask for Angels to bail them out. I don't know if anyone would do that again. I really don't like to sound like doom and gloom, but I really do suspect that they are in trouble. I do sincerely hope that they can bounce back and to raise the revenue they so desperately need so that we can continue celebrating pridefest in years to come.

If I might make a suggestion, I think it would be advantageous for pridefest to move the date of the festival to a time when we have warmer weather. Now I know that some will say that June is the month when pride is celebrated. That may be all well and good, but we do not live in a climate conducive to good weather. Unfortunately we are at the mercy of mother nature and it is either boom or bust. We either make it or we don't. On the other hand if pridefest were moved to to a time when there is warmer weather, there is a much higher likelihood of success. Not only that, and I don't know about you, but I like to see a little skin. Wouldn't you?

I would really like to find out what people think about this and I encourage your comments and or criticisms. Like me or hate me, this is the reality of the situation. I really do think we need some dialogue. It is for this reason that many times I act as a devil's advocate to force people to think and to force them into dialogue, whether they like it or not. Remember, I do this for our own good. So let's get some dialogue going, shall we?

Dictation for new dictation for my blog

Hi everyone

Guess what, I just got a new voice recognition software called Dragon Naturally Speaking. I can dictate this whole thing. It is going to be quite fun to do. This morning I watched TV the complete replay of 9/11 and MSNBC. It was quite traumatic to see the whole thing all over again on the TV. They played it as though it was happening at this time. Almost like War of The Worlds when people did not know what was going on. Fortunately I think that most people are smarter now and did not get caught with their pants down. I do think that it is very important that we continue to remember what has happened, also considering the election between John McCain and Mr. Obama I really think that this will be a boon to the Republicans. Mr. John McCain, as you know it is a veteran where Mr. Obama is not. At least not to my knowledge. How this will play out in the election I do not know. Sources tell me that this will not have a very long impact. I really don't know who I want to vote for each one has their own strong points and weaknesses. I guess only time will tell. Inc.

I guess this software is working quite well. So I guess I will be using it quite often. I guess that's it for now. And have a nice day.

Pridefest the aftermath 2

Neo-Nazi's to the left all but ignored. Cops in riot gear facing Bash Back MKE. I counted about 16 in riot gear. There were five cops on horseback and others in and out of uniform off to the side. That is unusual for pridefest and I wonder what that is going to cost? When I was working security on the weekend near Bar Louie, there were only two cops on horse back in 6 to 8 directing traffic. Now I don't know about you but this is a little out of the ordinary. Don't you think?

Pridefest the aftermath

Another Pridefest is done and over with. I could not make it to the fest Friday night because I had to work patrolling Milwaukee's downtown garages, making sure it is safe and sound for bar goers. I did however go Saturday when the protesters showed up. Only one religious protester was there when I arrived shortly after noon. Inside the grounds were quite pleasant and well planned. I walked around to see what vender's were present. Various organizations surrounded the center grassy area where volleyball was being played. One tent hosted by ARCW had hundreds of condoms displayed in various plastic bins free for the taking. They even had small carry-out containers you could fill to the brim if you so choose.
I cruised the various food vendors with their usual selection of finger food, brats, hamburgers, pizza, corn on the cob and other various and sundry dishes. Tuns of calories and way too much sugar for this diabetics taste and as usual nothing for vegetarians or health food junkies. A usual sore spot for myself and others, I'm sure.
Because of soaring gas prices and in order to save a trip to Chicago, this was a good time to stock up on new tee shirts, jewelery and other paraphernalia. Unfortunately Milwaukee isn't known for its wide variety of gay goods.
Soon after 1 pm the protesters showed up in force. If you want to count about Ten Neo-Nazis a force to be reckoned with. However (Drum roll please) Bash Back Milwaukee showed up about 30 to 40 strong as did the Police. Riot gear and all. It was a stand off to be sure, one group hurling insults back and forth while the Cops (by my count 16 strong in riot gear between them) facing Bash Back and all but ignoring the small group of Neo-Nazis.
Someone must have been watching over the whole thing because around 2:30 pm it started to rain dispersing onlookers and protesters. About this time I left and soon after the downpour began pretty much ending the festivities for the evening.
Sunday I returned. It was sunny but most of the groups that were in the center area had packed up and most tents were empty. The rest of the event went on as planned. So there you have it. My view of Pridefest. Now the only question is whether they broke even or was it a bust? We shall see.
Stay tuned. As soon as I hear something, I'll post it here.

Below is an email I just received just minutes ago

PRIDEFEST WEATHERS THE STORMS
A MESSAGE FROM PRIDEFEST PRESIDENT SCOTT GUNKEL

Many people have expressed concern for PrideFest due to the unprecedented challenges the festival and its patrons faced over the weekend. Both the weather and a small protest drew attention away from the purpose of this event: to celebrate our lives and our community. However, I want to assure you that neither weather nor protesters can or will stop PrideFest and its merry people from celebrating life, love and the history of the LGBT community. While weather and protesters can have an impact on the final results of success, our event is still a success none-the-less. Our crowds were smaller this year than in previous years, but they were a celebratory, hearty bunch. Few people left during Saturday's and Sunday's storms; instead, they stayed together and enjoyed what they could and created an atmosphere of community towards each other by sharing a common experience.
PrideFest's revenues will be down this year from previous years, but because of past successes and sound management, PrideFest will not fall. The strong involvement of the festival's many volunteers, who have worked diligently throughout the year to build financial and operational support, has made PrideFest strong enough to weather the storms.
I must acknowledge all those of the Production Team and Board who work all year long; all those volunteer groups and individuals that came together throughout the weekend; and all the sponsors that came forth and supported PrideFest. You have the thanks of PrideFest, the LGBT community and myself for all you have done to create and maintain this strong and wonderful organization known as PrideFest.
Forward in Pride & Peace,
Scott D. Gunkel
President, PrideFest

Pridefest protest update

Just so you know here is the link to the BashBackMKE plans for a protest at Pridefest. Not only are they going to protest the protesters. That is the Religious Right and the Neo-Nazis but Pridefest itself because they have not included any Lesbians or Trans Folk on the Board or in any type of leadership position. A chronic problem since the festivals inception.

Given what has happened at RiverSplash ( I was there doing patrols) with an almost riot, The director of Pridefest has been conspicuously quiet concerning security measures. I would think that they would publish a statement to the media assuring the public that Pridefest will be doing its utmost to protect festival goers entering the grounds. Perhaps it would be wise to provide an alternate entrance for those with disabilities or who are squeamish about entering at the main gate? Or is this just another example of their gross mismanagement that seems to happen year after year? Then again perhaps we should insist that the President of Pridefest resign and someone with proper management and marketing skills replace him? What do you think?

Here is the link to IndiMedia's announcement for Bash Back Milwaukee plans for their protest.

How to deal with Pridefest protesters

This year we will have some new guests outside the gates protesting and shouting at us as we enter the grounds. My question is do you know what to do as you pass them or when they yell slurs at you?
Remember that yelling back at them is exactly what they want. They feed on that. That is what they want. So what do you do?
Here are my suggestions;

1. Ignore them. Act as though they don't exist.
   
2. Don't talk to them. Not one word. They hate that.
   
3. Don't debate them. Its useless and only makes them more aggressive.
   
4. Please don't throw anything at them. You will be arrested, not them.
   
5. Don't put your hands on them. Don't push them and don't try to punch them. You will be arrested.
6. If you have to say something, simply say "Have a nice day" That's all. Nothing else.
   

That's basically it. Walk on the other side of the street if you feel uncomfortable. Bring a friend or have some one escort you to the gate. Above all have a good time.

Nazis to protest at Pridefest

Click on the picture above to read the flyer
The Wisconsin chapter of the Nazi party is planning to protest outside Pridefest on Saturday June 7th 2008.
Below is a link to the national web sites flyer

National web site
Wisconsin chapter
This is a whole other animal and I hope that we can get the police on this one along with Summerfest so that we can have plenty of protection.

Meanwhile your community leaders and various LGBT organizations will be mobilizing support for those coming to the fest.
I will keep0 you tuned as I get information.

Trouble with Pride in Madison

Just a quickie Madison Pride is in deep financial trouble and will be cutting back on the event in July. From what I get they will only have the parade and political get together by the Capitol and that will be about it. I will be doing some investigation and will post an update as soon as I get it. BTW there is a small article in the Quest which gives more information.

TTFN

Visioning and the Shepherd Express fiasco

Shout Milwaukee is dead

The Shepherd Express fiasco died on the vine. In effect the Visioning Project thought that our Gay Press Sucks. Instead of working with them to try to increase their circulation and outlets where the newspapers could be picked up, they opted to use the Shepherd Express in which to place their news.

Now some will say that with the advent of computers and access to news stories almost instantaneously as they occur that the local print media just can't hack it. For local and national news this may be true, however many events that will never be covered by any media source is covered, or at least should be by the Gay press. Events at the bars and at the LGBT Center along with human interest stories and in depth analysis of political happenings that affect all of us are the things that should be covered. Gay businesses should advertise too. Not only will lgbt people be aware of Gay friendly establishments but these businesses also benefit from increased sales and exposure.

The silence is deafening

Not a peep so far from the Visioning Project since I posted on my blog.

How interesting?

Did they abandon their email and are now conversing by Phone?

Then again perhaps I deflated some egos.

Don't get me wrong, getting a bunch of our leaders together to hash out perceived problems within the gay community and suggesting ways to correct them is laudable.

My main interest is the problem of Accountability. So far there is none. Leaders take turns facilitating meetings making it extremely difficult to determine who is responsible for what.

They need some sort of structure patterned after the rules and regulations promulgated under Roberts Rules of Order. Any other structure As far as I am concerned is unacceptable.

Is that too much to ask?

Visioning Project Mission Statement revision

Does anyone even know about the Visioning Project and what it does? I am sure you don't and neither do you know the original mission statement.

Here is the original statement;
"The Greater Milwaukee Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Visioning Project provides a forum to determine shared interests and effect collaboration among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities.“

Here is what has been suggested after several revisions;
We are a core group of LGBT organizations working collaboratively to identify shared problems and develop mutually agreeable solutions that support, motivate and foster our community growth and culture.

Now here is my response to that;
Wouldn't it be more correct to say that the Visioning Project is comprised of a group of individuals in leadership positions representing various LGBT organizations collaborating to solve shared problems within our community in order to foster its growth? So far the wording that has been suggested for the founding statement is just too ambiguous.

As I see it no group or organization ever proposed that the Visioning project be formed. It was if I am correct, the invention of the Cream City Foundation, specifically Maria Cadenas'. Also no group or organization to my knowledge has ever authorized or asked this project/committee to make any decisions on their behalf.

The other thing that bothers me is because leadership at each meeting shifts to a different individual, there is no accountability. The founding statement is a good start but there must also be some sort of rules and regulations under which the committee operates. At this point in time there are none, and this to me is a problem. Might I suggest Roberts Rules of Order as a starting point. (ie. Bylaws)

A history of the project is a good idea but smacks of self aggrandizement or a pat on the back in order to make your group look good. Perhaps that should be put on hold until the organizational paperwork is completed. Just a thought.

Of course that is only my humble opinion.
Gary

I sure would like to know what you think. Post your response below for all to see.