KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community embraces gay pride week, supporters have two new things to celebrate. One of those things includes a new Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Kansas City supporters of Gay Pride Week are also beaming with pride because of the president’s support of same-sex marriage.
When Gay Pride Kansas City started more than 30 years ago, the purpose was the same as it is today which is to promote LGBT diversity and civil liberties. The president of Show Me Pride says the gay community is still fighting for the same equal rights and liberties that straight people have.
“Every year here in Kansas City for the past 34 years we let the city know we are here we are one of you and we want the same things you want… homes, children, life, rights and so we invite everyone to come and learn about our culture…and who we are and to come celebrate,” said Show Me Pride president Rick Bumgardner.
The 2012 pride week comes on the heels of President Obama’s support of gay marriage. People in the gay community say they have something extra to celebrate.
“It really helps that President Obama supports us and I think that it’s fantastic,” said Linda Bonk with Bonk and Beans.
Show Me Pride has 60 vendors. Many of them are small businesses and the business men and women are also embracing the news of a new Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in Kansas City.
“It’s great when the businesses can interconnect and work towards a common cause,” said the owner of Blo Salon, Robert McCain. “There are a lot of business that we don’t know are gay and lesbian owed and for us to meet and get to know each other. the relationship building actually helps your business build.”
Aside from the business side of the Pride Week, there is also live music which includes the group Karmin. The live entertainment begins at 6 p.m. Other performances in the line up include Pepper Mashay,Inaya Day, Robin S. and Jennifer Holiday. Tickets for the 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. performances are $15.
