March lawsuit makes important strides

There has been a lot of emotion expended in the letters to the editor

about the Dyke March and their lawsuit, which has been joined by the

American Civil Liberties Union. Most of what I have read is

incorrect, showing that most readers misunderstand both the ACLU and

the purpose of this lawsuit. This lawsuit isn’t really about the Dyke

March, it’s about equal access in the special events permitting

system.

Costa Mesa, like many cities, has never really codified its permit

process. To some extent, they make up the rules as they go along.

This is a bad process both for community groups requesting permits

and for the safety and well being of the citizens of Costa Mesa. If a

rule is required to assure our safety, it should be applied to every

group requesting a permit. If a rule is applied only because of a

perception of the group requesting the permit, then this is

discrimination and does not serve anyone’s best interest.

The ACLU performs one of the most conservative functions in our

nation: It protects and defends the Constitution of the United States

and the Bill of Rights. Most ACLU cases involve 1st Amendment rights

to freedom of religion, speech, assembly and the press. Popular

speech does not need defending. It is usually the rights of the far

left and far right that are discriminated against by government or

society, and these are the cases the ACLU joins.

This causes many in the public to see the ACLU as a radical

organization, but it is not the content of the speech that the ACLU

is defending, it is the right to speak which is at stake.

If laws can be made to prevent even one group from speaking freely

in our society, then that case law can be used to deprive more and

more groups of their civil liberties, until the only right we will

have left is the right to conform. So don’t attack the ACLU because

they are there to defend your rights, too.

RICHARD GILLOCK

Costa Mesa

We returned from a brief trip out of town this past weekend

anticipating reading reports of what a rousing success the Orange

County Dyke March turned out to be on Saturday.

Despite all the free publicity provided by their lawsuit, it seems

the “event” was an even bigger failure and even more sparsely

attended than last year. What a shame. So, it was up to me to search

through my accumulated newspapers for information on the

“festivities.” Although the Daily Pilot provided coverage in an

article by Paul Clinton, I was very disappointed to read a direct

quote describing lesbian love-making in this family newspaper. That

was much more information than I, and I suspect many others, needed.

Let’s hope the founding mothers of this event finally get the

message that they’ve picked the wrong venue and will make this the

last time Costa Mesa is “honored” by their presence. Let’s also hope

our city leaders will hold their ground on the legal issues involved

here, and not let another group bully them into acquiescence with

their demands.

GEOFF WEST

Costa Mesa

After reading Friday’s issue under the Readers Respond section, in

which Liz Broedlow from Newport Beach asked the question, “What is a

lesbian pride parade all about?” I believe the better question is

“Why have a lesbian pride march”?

It is no more than its name suggests: a pride march or pride

parade. It is no different than a Fourth of July parade. It

celebrates independence and community, and it brings people from

within the community (and most often outside the community) together.

These public displays, parades and marches are important part of

every community because they are a reminder to everyone in the

community that there are individuals within who have overcome

diversity and will not accept prejudice or discrimination. They keep

these issues at the surface and provide the ground work for all who

follow to live and enjoy an existence that is tolerant and accepting.

Thus, the “why” is because, like it or not, everyone has a basic

right to assemble and for that brief moment remind society of their

presences and pride that comes from being a contributing member of

their community.

Getting back to Broedlow’s letter -- sadly, most of which is

demonstrative of fear from the unknown -- the one point that cannot

be left unchallenged is her assertion that “gay pride is thumbing of

the nose.” It is not. It is instead us joining together to remind

people that we are productive members of this community.

I want to be very clear and share one very salient point that

hopefully will impact all who read this letter with a very real and

positive impression: the gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders

who reside here in Newport Beach, Corona del Mar and all of Orange

County have in fact been very productive members of these communities

for many, many years. Just look around.

The best example off the top of my head would be the Gay and

Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Community Services Center of Orange

County. The center is chaired by Paul Blank and other hard working

people (most of whom are volunteers), who are productive members and

residents of this community. Why? For the personal satisfaction and

pride that comes from the giving of their own time to help others

around us in need. These members and the center provide a range of

services to all within our community to foster community respect,

understanding, and acceptance regardless of race, creed, color,

sexual preference, etc.

One last thought: If one really wanted to know “why,” then drop by

the pride march or The GLBT Center of Orange County and ask anyone of

the people there why they are doing this and what does pride mean to

them. Ultimately, your question will be answered and hopefully help

enlighten you of other productive and proud members of our community.

BRAD BICKLE

Corona del Mar