Date: Fri, 01 May 1998 10:16:05 -0700 From: Eros Publishing Subject: Letter To The editor To: Freedom Day Committee Pacific Northwest Pride In every community there exist times when decisions must be arrived at - it is our belief we now face such a time. The diametrically opposed philosophies and views of the Freedom Day Committee and Pacific Northwest Pride, each which if existing in isolation could provide our community it's Pride events, in conflict have placed the very event they aspire to organize at risk. We appreciate that individual and distinctly different visions of the best interests of the community motivate the members of both FDC and PNWP. We readily acknowledge the vast amount of work and personal sacrifice that goes into producing a set of events of this scope. We recognize that our community expects an annual magical appearance of the Pride Parade and Rally and most feel little obligation to lend a hand. Regardless, though organizers receive but scant thanks, Pride remains a trusteeship and not a proprietorship. It is not owned. Pride belongs to the community, not any one organization, and to the extent any group organizes the event, they do so on the sufferance and good will of the community. Midst all this recent conflict, one small detail that stands out like a bright light in the night. Simply put, our communities Pride events, no matter where or what kind, touch a vital and indescribable chord deep within each of us. A common passion for a diverse community event of quality serving the Gay/Lesbian/BiSexual/Transgendered Seattle Community equally drives both members of Freedom Day Committee and Pacific Northwest Pride - most of whom, in both groups, are caring persons of substantial passion and talent.. Given such passion and such talent, conflict is inevitable. On occasion conflict generates growth and greater vision - this is not such a conflict. The conflict between FDC and PNWP puts the quality of 1998 Pride Events of the Seattle Gay/Lesbian/BiSexual/Transgendered community at serious risk, and can no longer be discounted nor ignored. This conflict is clearly destructive with little redeeming value. Each group has its talents and its shortcomings. The Freedom Day Committee has a history with the Seattle community and a connection to the issues and events that shape the fabric of our culture. Likewise, the Pacific Northwest Pride Committee has shown itself to be a highly efficient organization able to face the logistics that are daunting at best. As a community, this conflict asks us which of our hands we want amputated - our right or our left? Neither choice appeals. Neither does the proposal of creating a third group to replace the two conflicted bodies. We propose another path. We ask that you agree to disagree and to divide the tasks in such a way that the talents and strengths of each group will be matched with the equivalent set of tasks, realizing that there is more than enough work in the coming weeks for everybody. It is our proposal that PNWP be responsible for the march and the vendors (the eastern half of Volunteer Park) and that the FDC be responsible for the rally (the western half of Volunteer Park) and also make arrangements for the dignitaries, official proclamations, themes, and entertainment. In short, FDC would supply vision and PNWP facilitate logistics. We also propose that a mediation committee of three persons be formed, comprised of one person chosen from each group and a third person to be chosen by said representatives from each group. This group will be charged with mediating discussions where the responsibilities may overlap or interface. Specifically, this group will be responsible for creating an equitable plan for handling of the finances and creating a trust for any funds left over to be used for next year's event. Please pause and consider this proposal. But, due to the late date, we need your decision to be delivered to Randy Henson, Jim Munoz, or Trish Throop by Monday, May 4th, by the end of the business day. If you do not respond or can not accept this plan of cooperation, then we will with great regret proceed to make some choices. In closing, we thank you for your service and hard work. Our intent is clear - we intend 1998 be among the best Pride Events in Seattle's history, and are dedicated to ensuring that it take place. Sincerely, Steve Parrish (GSBA president), Ray Carter (FDC Safety Chair Pride '94, FDC Co-Chair Pride '95, and author, Unofficial Pride Page), Jim Munoz (Mayor's Office), Aubrey Hart Sparks (Seattle Mr. Leather 1994), Bryant Vehrs (Ingersoll executive director), Randy Henson (Tacky Tourist boardmember), Patrick Hogan, Sarah Luthens (Out Front Labor), Cathy Kaufmann (Out Front Labor), and Janice Van Cleve (Legal Marriage Alliance, Harvey Muggy Democrats) http://www.wolfenet.com/~aubrey/cage/aubrey.htm