Raising $15,000 in 30 days is a lofty goal for organizers of annual Michigan Pride events, but it can be done. And for the benefit of countless thousands of Michiganians, it’s a target that needs to be met.
If they are unable to raise an adequate amount of funds, Pride leaders said they will be forced to cancel the organization’s annual Lansing march, rally and festival - which celebrates lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender culture.
The annual event, slated to take place June 15, has been held in the state capital for several years and is designed to raise visibility of the LBGT community and promote awareness about the societal issues its members face.
Michigan Pride leaders said they have held off announcing their money problems, but fear they cannot wait any longer. Last year the group budgeted more than $72,000 for the event and only raised about $62,000. It also is $4,500 in debt.
Pride is an extremely important event for the LBGT community. Not only does it promote awareness of the need for equal rights in our society, but also it celebrates a culture.
The 7,000 to 10,000 people who come out each year for the Pride march offer a glimpse of hope to those who may feel alone or ashamed of who they are. It’s safe to assume we no longer live in the Dark Ages. If that is true, there is no reason people should have to feel ashamed of being open about who they are.
The event also brings to light issues such as Michigan’s lack of equal rights laws for the LBGT community, which illustrates that our society still has a long way to go to protect all Americans’ rights. Too often, members of the LBGT community are overlooked when it comes to protecting the rights of individuals to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - just look at MSU.
It was only in 1997 that the Board of Trustees approved measures to offer domestic partner benefits. It was only last semester that LBGT residence hall caucuses received voting representation within the Residence Halls Association. The fight is still on to host LBGT peer mentors. And university officials have begun to struggle with the inclusion of gender identity language in university policies.
We have come a long way in recognizing the LBGT community as an equal part of society, but we still have a long way to go. If we lose the Michigan Pride festival, we stand to move backward in that fight.
Organizers of Pride have done a lot for their community, and we hope they can double fund-raising efforts in the coming month.
After all, the show must go on.
