Nashville Pride 2005

Nashville has always been anamoly in the south. It is smack dab in the middle of Tennessee. It is the state capital. It is the home of the Grand Ole Opry and thousands of blue-heads who still mourn Hank Williams Sr's passing. But, it is also a city of youth and vibrance. There is a great nightlife and an abundance of gay bars and restaurants. It is a fast paced city that always seems to be a "work in progress." And there is Nashville Gay Pride, held in Centennial Park in the shadow of the Parthenon. Nashville was given yet another chance to show how progressive and diverse it really is. On this weekend, Nashville gave me over 12,000 more reasons to love it even more.

The colors are everywhere... From just above street level to high in the blue sky. Our flags of color wave proudly in the wind displaying symbols of piece, or sit solomly around a person. These colors are our statement; a symbol of our wealth of ideas, thoughts and pride.

Dykes on Bikes kicked off the parade. Human Rights Campaign, One-in-Teen and PFLAG were there to share a message. And everything from representatives of The Chute bar, the colorful belly dancers and NOW walked on by with their heads held high.

Gays sure do know how to make an entrance. Whether it's waving from the back of a convertible, in the confines of an air-conditioned SUV, on top of a party bus with 50 of your closest friends or trying to catch a ornery horse, we know all about getting ourselves noticed.

In a crowd of thousands, a few will always stand out. A drag queen in a sequined evening gown and tiara who never seems to break a sweat. Belly dancers who never let the smiles leave their faces. And a young man just like any other who means the world to me.

At the endless market were crowds of people and representatives from corporate America making their pitches to a valuable segment. But it was the small businesses selling Sistah's t-shirts and cute homemade light switch covers that made it a pleasant experience.

With Vanderbilt University and the West End's mid-risers in the background, the stage was the focal point of Nashville Pride. In the spotlight were acts such as 3AM, Steff Mahan and headliner Crystal Waters of Gypsey Woman fame.