Pride parade to promote inclusiveness

By Kapono Dowson
Advertiser Staff Writer

When Ken Miller marched in his first gay pride parade, his friends told him it was OK to be gay — just don't advertise it.

That was in 1993. Since then, he said, the gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual movement has matured. For him and others, the pride parade has helped him to be open about his sexual identity.

Honolulu Pride 2002 will hold its annual Gay Pride Parade June 29 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Marching from Ala Moana Beach Park to Kapi'olani Park along Kalakaua Avenue, participants will be there "to have fun and raise a sense of pride and awareness," said Miller, the event's co-chairman. When the parade was first held 12 years ago, the group fit on the sidewalk. This year Honolulu Pride 2002 expects 300 marchers and 5,000 people to attend its festival and dance at McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Beach Park following the parade.

"In the beginning, we were trying to instill a sense of pride and dignity within our own community," said Miller, 46, who works at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center as its tobacco program director. "Now we're trying to let our community know that being gay, lesbian bisexual or transgender is a natural occurrence that is not a choice. This is who we are, and it's OK."

Back in 1993, he said he was in a newspaper photo of the parade. When his family saw it, they disowned him. "Now it's a nonissue for them," he said. "It's not the same stigma, or at least people are willing to listen." Like many, the 'Alewa Heights resident had struggled between adhering to family wishes and his need to express his true identity.

"Meaningful changes take time," Miller said. "Over the last 12 years, there is some protection under the law. And we have more open talk."

Health and civil rights issues are still very important to the gay community, but this year the emphasis for Honolulu Pride 2002 is unity and inclusiveness. The event has dedicated this year's parade to uniting those who are gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual. Its theme this year is "Kupa'a Ko Kakou" — Together We Stand Strong.

"The gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual community is a diverse group. Our challenge is to provide a space where our people can ask questions, talk with others and know they're not alone," Miller said. "We tell them honor your uniqueness and celebrate it with those who are of the same mind."

Reach Kapono Dowson at kdowson@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8103.