LOVE WINS - And so did the Knicks!

 

Words and Photo F LoBuono

The most common complaints against so-called awareness or recognition months are, “why are they even necessary? And “Don’t they separate people instead of unite them?” Well, a recent experience I just had clearly demonstrates the need.

As I public service I often “LIVE” stream events and make photographs from Nyack and the immediate area to be seen on Facebook. I also cover breaking news events like the recent “Tunnel Incident” in Nyack that are sometimes used by other local media outlets.

On a recent Sunday, I was particularly busy. There were 2 major parades in Nyack; the first being the annual Nyack Fireman’s Memorial and the second to follow, The Pride Celebration. I prepared my video gear to cover both. As they were staggered, it was possible to give each of them my full attention. And so, I did.

I have covered The Fireman’s Memorial Parade many times in the past and it is a solemn, respectful march through the streets of the village to honor those members who have gone before. This year’s was no exception. All the fire companies in the village had their best fire-fighting trucks shining like new dimes lined up on Broadway for pre-parade inspections. And not to be outdone, the volunteers who man those vehicles proudly posed beside them, glowing with pride in their impressive uniforms. One by one, the companies marched through the town, accepting the adulation from the crowds who lined the streets on their way to Oak Hill Cemetery for a ceremony at the Fireman’s Memorial located there. It was everything it was designed to be.

I streamed the parade LIVE and made some photographs that I shared on Facebook. Of course, the response was overwhelmingly positive. And rightly so. People have enormous respect for these brave volunteers and are always willing to show them.

After a reasonable period, the streets of downtown Nyack were converted for the Pride Celebration. Now, I call it a celebration because that is a more accurate description. Yes, there would be a parade but there would be so much more. There would be vendors and music, making the event a combination street fair/parade. And the mood was deliberately festive and celebratory because THAT’s what it was designed to be. The Gay community, as spearheaded by its organizer, The Rockland County Pride Center, constructed the event to welcome EVERYONE and to share in the openness that Gay Pride is all about. Where so much of that world had been reduced to “the closet” it was like a breath of fresh air to not only acknowledge their existence but to revel in it. And revel they did!

Again, as was fitting for the day and THIS event, there were some whose appearance and demeanor might have been seen as “outrageous” by more conservative observers. But I also witnessed MANY families with young children thoroughly enjoying themselves. Some young kids even wore Pride flags as capes. All in all, it was fun and safe. In other words, it was everything that it was meant to be open – tolerant – educational - fun.

So, I streamed my video and shared my photos again on Facebook. Overall, the response was very positive. Most people saw the event for what it was and enjoyed the freedom it represents. However, there was a significant minority who still found fault in it. Some were “shocked” that parents would subject their children to such “debauchery.” Words like disdain and disgust are not too strong to describe their feelings. There was also a fair share of religious fanatics who objected in the name of Jesus, too. Personally, I find that sad and counter to true Christian teachings.

 In a separate but connected and equally disturbing incident, one Facebook commentator objected that on my podcast, BEING FRANK, I should have a local fireman talking about volunteerism featured on the same program with someone from the gay community sharing his experiences! The message was clear.

This eventually inspired me to create a separate Facebook post stating my position that I approached each event with equal enthusiasm. I did this because they ARE both equal in every sense of the word. All these people are members of the same community and contribute, each in their own way. Not everyone can be a firefighter. I am not. And they deserve our great respect. But I contribute to my community in every way that I can. And why would the gay community be any different? Are there NO gay firefighters in Rockland County? Really? If a gay person came to save you (as they DO), would you still object to their existence?

Yet, there are still those who cling to fear through misunderstanding. I challenge anyone with any doubts about that to observe those posts on my Facebook page. It’s public. You will find them if you look. And that, my friends, is why we still need Pride Month. The fight is not over. But remember the Pride slogan: Love Wins. Always.