The sun shone on queer revelers and allies June 18 and 19 at Portland Pride ’05.
Despite changes and forces of resistance, approximately 50,000 people from Portland
and far beyond wound their way from the Sunday aftem<x>n parade to the festival to the
Taking Pride in Stark Street Block Party.
The crowd exploded into applause for former Mayor Vera Katz, who rode in a stylish
classic car and waved majestically to the crowd as grand marshal. Many other public
servants and dignitaries were also in attendance.
“Most of the feedback I’ve gotten has been positive, and the volunteers had a gcxxl
time,” said Tobin Britton, president of Pride Northwest. “1 chalk that up as a success.”
Sources of pre-Pride anxiety included increased freedom and access for anti-gay pro
testers, a new walk-around liquor license and uncooperative storm reports.
According to Britton, there were no disorderly incidents stemming from any of those
entities.
“The protesters turned out to be a nonissue. They came for maybe an hour, we kept
the crowd from responding to them, and they got bored and left,” said Britton, who had
expected anti-gay protesters to dismpt the festivities.
She said there were also no reported alcohol-related problems at Pride.
“Thank you, everyone who came out and participated and volunteers who helped
behind the scenes,” said Britton. “Together we made for a grand event.”
—J ay mee R. Cud
Clockwise from far left: Former Oregon Gov.
Barbara Roberts sports a toothy grin; a lovely
family arrives at Pride; another family portrait
includes Portland Mayor Tom Potter with his
daughter Katie and granddaughter Madison;
parade marchers show off; beaded Multnomah
County Commissioner Serena Cruz and
Cascade AIDS Project director Thomas Bruner
strike a pose.
Continued on Page 25
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