"This is the third year

for this spectacular

happening, and it

keeps getting bigger."

September

'Family fun' has a new meaning

$5,000

lan

by Doreen Cudnik

There's nothing like visiting an amusement park as summer draws to a close to make us feel like a kid again. But how many times have we crossed that idea off our end-of-summer "to do" list after pondering the not-so-whimsical realities: standing in long lines for rides, not feeling comfortable holding hands with our same-sex date amid the mainly heterosexual, cookie-cutter variety suburban families, and absolutely nothing that even resembles queer entertainment.

On Friday, September 24, all that will change, as the Cincinnati Gay and Lesbian Center holds “Lesbian and Gay Pride Night '99," their third annual private party at Paramount's Kings Island amusement park.

Up to 5,000 people from six states are expected to attend from 5 to 11 p.m. to enjoy six hours of "family" fun.

"Lines will be short, so you'll get to ride the Beast, the new Face Off roller coaster and Drop Zone free-fall tower as many times as you like," said center director LeAnn Dessauer.

"This is the third year for this spectacular happening and it keeps getting bigger,” Dessauer added. “Last year attendance was almost 3,000 and this year we anticipate over 5,000."

Besides being the biggest fundraiser for the center, Dessauer said proceeds from ticket sales to the event will also benefit GLBT organizations in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and Indiana. While the event has generally drawn more men than women, that is changing as more GLBT people from around the state and in surrounding states attend.

A ticket to Pride Night buys you admission to the park, as well as access to the various entertainment venues.

Forget about "Oktoberfest" German polka bands at the Festhaus. Pride Night has scheduled folk artist Chris Carter, the all-woman rock band Just Us, and, in the grand finale, two gender-bending acts, the Rubi Girls from Dayton, and the HIS. Kings from Columbus. The "Girls" and the "Kings" plan to do a joint number, Dessauer said.

"They'll be the last two acts of the evening,” Dessauer said. “We want to send everyone out hopping."

Also not to be missed is the karaoke on the International Street Bandstand. It may be your opportunity to serenade your sweetie at Kings Island without any disapproving looks.

It's that feeling of safety at being completely out that draws so many people to the Kings Island Pride event year after year. People who are closeted in most areas of their life feel safe being out at this event since the park is closed to the general public for the entire evening.

“It's a wonderful opportunity to party in a safe, supportive and community-building atmosphere,” Dessauer said. While "red Tshirt day" in June is important especially to make our GLBT presence felt when the park is open to the general public-Dessauer said that Pride Night is a "completely hassle-free, comfortable atmosphere."

Tickets are $29.50 in advance—a significant savings from the $34.50 at the gate price. They can be purchased online at www.glbtcentercincinnati.com or by calling 513-591-0200.

In the Cincinnati area, tickets are available at Crazy Ladies Bookstore, the Pink Pyramid, and the Dock. Other ticket outlets for this event include Stonewall Columbus, the Cleveland Lesbian and Gay Center, the Dayton Community Center, the West Virginia Pride Committee, the Fairness Campaign groups in Louisville and Lexington, and the Indiana Word newspaper. "Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity for our entire community to get together,” Dessauer said. "It's just a lot of fun."

Doreen Cudnik is executive director of Stonewall Cincinnati, a GLBT service, outreach and advocacy organization.