The Queen City. That used to be the tag line associated with Marquette. I think it had something to do with the fact that Marquette was the U.P.’s biggest, and possibly most important, city. Kind of a royalty thing.
But times change and at some point in the last century, “queen” took on another meaning. Gay. Not happy gay… homosexual gay. Queer gay. And calling Marquette the Queen City fell out of favor. What town in its right mind would want to be associated with an alternative, and not entirely accepted, lifestyle?
And now, every June, we have Pride Month, when our LGBTQIA+ communities celebrate their gender and sexual identities. Tomorrow, Upper Peninsula Rainbow Pride will host UP Pride Fest at Marquette’s Mattson Park. A few days ago this newsworthy event was publicized on the TV6 Facebook page and, much to the disappointment of those who consider the U.P. an open-minded, welcoming place, not all the comments were positive…
“I pray they all get right with Jesus before it’s too late or their pride is gonna turn into an eternity of torment and torture.”
Regardless of the dozens of comments from people not willing to celebrate, or even tolerate, what they consider deviant behavior, the festival will go on. U.P. Rainbow Pride was formed in 2013 and the first festival took place in 2014, so it’s nothing new. And neither are the alternative lifestyles that’ll be comingling tomorrow at Pride Fest.
Emily Snow, Volunteer Coordinator for the event explains. “Pride festivals are a celebration of and for LGBTQIA+ people and their allies. We hope to cultivate a local culture that embraces LGBTQ+ representation and provides a safe, welcoming space for the community.”
“Our veterans get one day. These mentally ill get a whole month. Pretty effed up if ya ask me.”
Though most of the comments on the TV6 post were in support of Pride Month, too many showed a prejudice and intolerance I had hoped was rare here in “God’s Country.” Whatever happened to live and let live?
“I have no worries that my children will be gay. I raise them right and they know right from wrong.”
And for every commenter disparaging people of the LGBTQIA+ community, I’m afraid there are multiple more who maintain their disapproval in silence. Geez. Life is tough enough without making it harder on your neighbors who might be different than you.
“Why would us straight people want to try and understand? A true abomination to our Father who created Adam and Eve. Not Adam and Steve!!”
I’ve always thought Marquette was a pretty progressive community, with a character that lends itself to diversity and inclusion. Have I been wrong? To find out, I reached out to the guy who’s probably the most well-known and outspoken member of the local gay alliance… Bobby Glenn Brown.
Though he says many who abused him earlier in life are now his friends, it wasn’t always easy. “Middle school and high school in Marquette were not the best place for Bobby Glenn Brown. I was beaten, spit on, kicked, ridiculed and worse. I hated walking into school, but with supporting friends I made it.”
Fortunately, for people like Bobby, it’s gotten better over time. “For the most part, Marquette has grown up, and in my lifetime has become much more relaxed and accepting of individualism. I believe living in a college town has helped our community in welcoming diversity.”
“I can’t believe this is happening in the UP.”
“I agree! That college destroyed this place.”
“I tell people all the time that while I honor and observe pride month I live with pride every day,” Bobby says. “I never came out, I just ‘was!’ I was fortunate to live in a loving household with support of friends and family.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how Rocky Horror literally changed my life and yes, gives me a true sense of pride. The overwhelming support of our community and to me playing a ‘sweet transvestite’ has given me unbelievable affirmation, approval, and credence to – just be me.”
“I have no care in the world about understanding a mental illness.”
You know, I’m not a big fan of cross-country skiing. It’s cold, and half the time it’s uphill. But I know some people who actually enjoy cross-country skiing and for the most part… they’re good people. I might not appreciate their chosen sport, but I like them. Same goes for people with different sexual orientations. I may not share those differences, but we can still be friends.
“Can’t we all just get along?” At the time, Rodney King probably didn’t appreciate the wide ranging significance of his words. But they sure work here, don’t they?
“This woke garbage is ridiculous and wrong.”
I’m no dreamer. I know it’s going to be a while before we reach that kumbaya moment. But just so you know, Emily Snow says everyone is welcome at tomorrow’s Pride Fest. Getting to know someone different from you might be a good first step toward getting along. What have you got to lose? And with a little rain in tomorrow’s forecast, the old Queen City might just treat you to a real U.P. rainbow.