Second pride parade incident-free

Paul Clinton

A modestly-sized crowd of gays and lesbians stepped in unison in

Saturday’s Orange County Dyke March in a solidarity event that also

featured a clear political message.

Shouting slogans such as “Hey-hey, ho-ho, homophobia’s got to go”

and carrying signs demanding recognition for same-sex marriage, the

group briskly walked a city block in the afternoon heat.

This year’s event, the second in the city, drew controversy when

the city imposed a 21-point rule book of regulations as an addendum

to an event permit. The city backed off when the American Civil

Liberties Union filed a 1st Amendment lawsuit alleging an

infringement of free-speech rights. Yet, the group kept up its

confrontational stance, which continued on Saturday.

“We want to thank the city,” organizer Lori Hutson said to the

crowd gathered at Lions Park. “They have given us 100% of their

support. The lawsuit hasn’t been dropped to fix their permit scheme.”

The Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange County

organized the incident-free event, which drew about 100 participants.

About six lesbians riding motorcycles led the one-hour march,

which was preceded by a rally that featured informational booths and

a boisterous dose gay advocacy.

Marchers started by heading west on 18th Street, then turning

north on Pomona Avenue, east on 19th Street and south on Harbor

before returning to the park via a shopping center.

Prior to the march, the lesbians clashed with Christian protesters

who denounced their sexual lifestyle.

“Celebrating your addiction to sin? Jesus can set you free,” one

sign declared.

Rod Warner, who declined to give his age or city of residence,

shouted taunts at the marchers, but said he doesn’t hate lesbians.

“Somebody’s got to tell them,” Warner said. “If I really hated

them, I’d be home watching a game.”

Warner shouted down one couple, asking them if they ever “talk to

God,” as they walked by.

“I talk to him all the time, when I’m having awesome lesbian sex,

‘Oh God, oh God,’” said a girl who would only identify herself as Jen

M.

“There are still some places in the U.S. that need Dyke marches,”

31-year-old Bixi Craig said. “The most conservative areas. This is

one of them.”

After the march, participants cheered the effort as an act of

solidarity.

“It makes you feel good about yourself,” said 21-year-old Samantha

Tierno, who lives in Newport Beach. “It makes you feel proud.”