On July 26 I was enjoying lunch at the Cappadocia Cafe in White River Junction with a friend from Florida. Unbeknownst to us, July 26 was the date scheduled for the WRJ Pride Parade. The parade proceeded down Main Street with many revelers and spectators. Although it was a somewhat small event, all of the participants enjoyed their ability to express themselves without shame or criticism. The most impressive part of the parade was a float sponsored by the well-known grocery chain, Hannaford. They even handed out rainbow themed grocery bags with the name Hannaford emblazoned on both sides. I saw no protesters or parents shielding their children’s eyes.
In contrast, our local Florida newspaper (TC Palm) ran a story the same week about Vero Beach conservatives pulling their hair out over a recent drag show at Kilted Mermaid, a local bar and restaurant. But as usual they repeated the same tropes and falsehoods. Of course, children need to be protected from sexual content, but this event was held at a private business during a well-publicized pride celebration. Any parents who took their children there were fully aware of the event and if they were uncomfortable with it, all they had to do was leave. No one was forced to participate, no children were present during the evening performance when the show was more suggestive but not sexual.
While I saw no drag show during the WRJ parade, I’m sure the well-adjusted citizens of Vermont would be fine with it! The contrast between Vermont and Florida cannot be understated. Florida prefers hate and Vermont prefers acceptance.
John D. Crosby