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GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE Pride Guide 2005

Pride Holiday brings many together for one great time

by Michael Dutcher

Columbus-Welcome to Stonewall Columbus Pride Holiday 2005!

This year's theme, "One," celebrates the unity in the community now more than ever. The theme also revolves around the way the community has banded together regardless of age, race or gender to fight for our common goal of equality. "One" can signify one voice, one family, one community or one fight for equality.

Stonewall Columbus is proud and honored to present this holiday for the 24th year for the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and its allies.

This year, an expected record-breaking attendance of 100,000 friends, families and supporters will be welcomed. With an estimated attendance at Pride Holiday 2004 of over 80,000 people, Stonewall Columbus was

able to raise approximately $100,000 to support the Community Center and its numerous educational and outreach programs as well as the 50-plus GLBT groups and organizations that depend on it.

This year's Pride festivities are not just limited to a one-day event. Activities began in May and run through the entire month of June. Some of these activities include a "Run for Pride 5K," an art show titled "An Exhibit of Pride," "Rocking in the Streets," "Voices of Color," "Dancin' in the Streets," a poker bike run and "Cruise-In" in the park, an evening of theatre sponsored by CAPA, an Interfaith Fair, a film premier at the Arena Grand and the annual Pride Brunch.

Stonewall Columbus will also be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH 1200C as part of their Pride fund raising efforts this year. The Harley will be on display in front of

the Coffee Table during Gallery Hops and at Posh Pets through June.

Of course, the annual Stonewall Pride Parade will be stepping off from Goodale Park at 1 pm and ending at the festival in Bicentennial Park on Saturday, June 25.

The Pride main stage will boast the talents of Amber as headliner this year. Amber's bright future has been secured by a history of hits like "Yes," "If You Could Read My Mind," "This is Your

Night," "Sexual (Li Da Di),” “Above the Clouds," "The Need to be Naked" and "One More Night." She has racked up an impressive seven consecutive number-one dance singles. Her songs have been covered by an

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array of artists including "Bless You Child" for Bette Midler's album release in 2000 and most notably Cher, whose rendition of "Love One Another" earned Amber a Grammy nomination in 2004. Amber will be sharing our Pride stage with Betty, the incredible group from The L Word, as well as the international talents of Josh Zuckerman, Ira Levi and Gaye Adegbalola with Roddy Barnes.

Pride emcees Mary Ann Brandt and WCMH Channel 4's Marshall McPeek will keep the Pride stage going along with all of our incredible local talents such as the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus, the Columbus Stompers, Flaggots, the Columbus Women's Chorus, the Capital Pride Band and numerous other organizations being represented.

Stonewall Columbus delivers Pride Holiday every year with the help and support of many sponsors and hundreds of volunteers who make this event possible. This Pride Holiday 2005 is the epitome of a great community event and truly signifies our community coming together as "One." For more information regarding Stonewall Columbus Pride Holiday 2005 or to become a sponsor or for booth and vendor opportunities, please visit www.stonewallcolumbus.org.

Michael Dutcher is the director of operations and special events for Stonewall Columbus.

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