This year’s Pride events are almost upon us. Saturday, June 7th will be the Dyke March with the Pride Parade following on June 8th which will feature the parade as well as performers, comedians, and a Marketplace filled with interesting items.
The Dyke March was started separately from the Pride Parade following the examples of other cities. For many, it seems an exclusive event, open only to the lesbians and transgendered women in the community. However, it is really not the case. Men take part in the planning, implementation, and even march in the event as marshals, committee workers, and even male “Nickel City Radicat” cheerleaders.
The Dyke March just gets a bad rap because its name seems so anti-man, but really it is a reminder of the history of the struggle of women. So come out and march on Saturday. The march begins at the new Bank of America in the back parking lot at 495 Elmwood Ave at 7:15 PM and it marches all the way to Bidwell Parkway. After you march, hang out and have some fun, but afterwards go home and continue to get your float ready for Sunday’s parade.
The parade starts at Kleinhans Music Hall at 11 AM and step off is promptly at 1 PM. It goes east down North St and then north down Elmwood Ave to Bidwell Parkway. As always, there is a float competition. The theme this year is heroes as defined as “champion, paladin, knight, conqueror, victor, person of courage, dauntless soldier, intrepid warrior, luminary, dignitary, person of note or consequence, superstar, model, exemplar, shining example, paragon.” Over 40 groups, organizations, floats, and others will all be marching in the parade.
After the parade, there will be a Marketplace in Bidwell parkway filled with gay, lesbian, and transgender organizations, shops, and other interesting things. The cocktail pavilion will be in full swing and from there you can listen and watch the entertainment. From 2-6:30 PM, John Borsa and Loraine O’Donnell will be hosting the performers. The line-up of performers is music by Gregory Douglass, comedian Richard Ryder, singers/songwriters Bitch and Ferron, and music by Needle Up!.
For more information about Pride Buffalo, the Pride Parade, and the Dyke March, you can visit their website at www.pride-buffalo.org or call 559-3800. From their website you can also submit your parade registration form if you want to organize a float.