For a community that champions inclusivity, Methow Pride is the most exclusive club in the valley.
Methow Pride’s annual party at the end of winter, beginning of spring is called Snowball. For the past two years, the event has included drag queens performing in front of minors.
After controversy for billing the event “all ages,” which some interpreted as a family event, Methow Pride raised its age minimum to “teens and up” last year.
This…
You present yourself as someone seeking fairness and truth, but I can hear the homophobia in your article. Underrepresented and persecuted groups need safe spaces to gather more than you. You reference “age appropriateness” as if what is taking place is lurid. This, in a country whose ruling class is littered with pedophiles and rapists, including the President. Why not just let the dance happen instead of contributing to culture wars? Just leave it alone. Practice tolerance (and don’t say Methow Pride is intolerant, or that all lives matter. I’m pretty certain going to a dance with gay people is your worst nightmare, so why the charade?) I think your article is irresponsible and knowingly obtuse. Do better, as you’ve written in the past. Do better.
That’s pretty judgey, Genevieve.
You have a choice about who you welcome. Clearly, you have not made me feel welcome. That flies in the face of everything you stand for your members.
Why not just answer the basics- will there be drag performances in front of minors? How will you be celebrating? Include the music playlist while you’re at it. Just be upfront and honest with people.
Tolerance in purchased at the expense of truth. I appreciate your research on this.
You’re welcome.
A possible reason for you not feeling welcome at the snow ball is probably because of your reputation of negative interpretations of certain events around the valley like, Methow Pride and theater performances. By posting this article it shows to be true. The snow ball is an event in a queer safe space, usually not a place where people would like to feel judged or annoyed by being observed or asked questions. You are not the target audience for these kinds of events, not every place is catered to you, and that is okay. Many queer and brown ethnic groups throughout history have had gatherings focused on their identities and expression without the annoyance of homophobia and racist prejudice.
My negative interpretation? I have been critical of minors performing in sexualized plays and using curse words. Most people would see that as a problem. I would hope you see that as a problem.
As for Methow Pride, there has been controversy surrounding children and drag performances. I reported on the facts and will continue to do so.