STR8 Talk: On the LGBT Walk

Written by Chet Ridenour, Co-Founder of STR8NOUT

It's here again, summer festival season in Columbus - with almost every weekend bringing another celebration of our local music, art, food and drink.

This Friday through Sunday, Stonewall Columbus leads one of our most colorful and diverse events each year - the PRIDE Festival and Parade – and it's not (nor in any recent years has been) just for the "gays" anymore.

"Allies in Equality" is the theme for this year's carnival of color, as the movement seeks to recognize the long-time pro-equality members of the straight community – aka "allies" – for their support.

Spearheading that charge has been Mayor Coleman, who will be honored as the parade's Grand Marshall this year. He won't be the only politician marching, as we see more candidates and representatives sharing publicly their support of true "liberty and justice for all,”"and who are working hard to help our nation live out its' creed.

As Columbus' young professionals, many of us have had LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) friends, classmates, teammates and co-workers who we've come to realize, are really just "co-people." And they've been the first to be there for us when we've needed someone to listen, comfort us, come through and celebrate our life's journey together.

This weekend is our chance to stand with them as they openly share their flair, spirit and color with our local world. Whether it's marching in or watching the parade, volunteering for the festival (visit the orange tent in the SE Corner of Goodale Park), signing a marriage equality petition, educating yourself on the issues, drinking a beer (or three) or taking in many of the diverse sights and sounds – it's important for the straight community to participate in and show our support for the "Party of the LGBT Year."

While you're there, you're likely to bump into many of Columbus' best and brightest minds, creative talents, business owners and entrepreneurs walking the walk and showcasing just how "Smart + Open" our city has become. So go shake some hands and get to know other community leaders, swap some business cards, and put those networking skills to use by becoming engaged in the change you want to see in this world.

Columbus has one of the best LGBT communities in the nation, and one that brings so much to our beloved city. This weekend, let's all come together, as one, to show and share our PRIDE with the world.

When: Friday: 3pm-11pm, Saturday: 10am-8pm, Sunday: (Brunch, Bat-n-Rouge and other community events)
Where: Goodale Park, 120 W. Goodale St. Columbus, OH 43215
Parade: Sat, Noon-1:30pm, Start: Broad & High St., Ends: Goodale Park (Buttles & Dennison)

Visit www.columbuspride.org for more information.

The author is a CYP CLUB member and co-founder of straight allies group STR8NOUT.org