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.”
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