Mark Berryhill
Mon, July 17, 2023
As we mark this year's International Drag Day, I am humbled to reflect on the incredible journey of this distinctive art form and the brave individuals who've made it the vibrant community it is today.
Drag is much more than just performance. It's a courageous expression of self, a dynamic reflection of culture, and a powerful tool for social commentary. It's a celebration of the intricate shades of human identity, a celebration of self and being unapologetically so. We at equalpride believe that this, like all art forms, deserves respect, celebration, and encouragement.
However, we have witnessed a worrying increase in anti-drag and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation. These are not just attacks on the community but on the very ideas of self-expression, diversity, and personal freedom. We firmly oppose such discriminatory rhetoric and legislation. They only strengthen our resolve to amplify and uplift the voices of those often marginalized.
Equalpride understands the power and necessity of storytelling. Through our work, we strive to provide a platform for those stories that need to be told, especially the ones that showcase the resilience, creativity, and spirit of diverse communities. We believe in the magic that happens when we unite to create a culture and country of equality for all.
Our commitment is unwavering. We will continue to champion a world where every voice is heard, every individual is respected, and every expression of self is celebrated. We look forward to standing alongside you, amplifying your voices, and making strides toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
From the equalpride family of brands to your neighborhood drag stages, shows and story hours, wishing you all a happy International Drag Day!
Warm regards,
Mark Berryhill
CEO, equalpride
Minnesota mayor faces pressure to resign or meet LGBTQ+ group's demands after his comments on Pride
An attendee holds up flags during the New York City Pride Parade, June 24, 2018, in New York. Members of an LGBTQ+ group are calling on the mayor of a southern Minnesota city to meet their demands — or resign — after he asked pastors at a church holding a Pride event if there would be stripper poles in the sanctuary and posted a public prayer alluding to “sin and brokenness” at the event.
Associated Press
Mon, July 17, 2023
OWATONNA, Minn. (AP) — Members of an LGBTQ+ group are calling on the mayor of a southern Minnesota city to meet their demands — or resign — after he asked pastors at a church holding a Pride event if there would be stripper poles in the sanctuary and posted a public prayer alluding to “sin and brokenness” at the event.
In an open letter to Mayor Tom Kuntz, a Republican, and the Owatonna City Council, Rainbowatonna organizer Nathan Black said Kuntz used his elected position to harass and intimidate people involved in the city's Pride celebration on July 8, the Star Tribune reported. The Pride celebration included a service at Associated Church, festivities at a pavilion and a drag show after-party at the Owatonna Arts Center.
In his public letter, Black said Kuntz spoke to pastors at the church about two weeks before the service. He said the mayor appeared to be upset and asked several “bizarre” questions, including whether there would be stripper poles in the sanctuary. Black said he wasn’t concerned about the mayor’s behavior until later, when he found that last month Kuntz posted a prayer he wrote on social media.
In the prayer, Kuntz asked for wisdom in the face of upcoming public events “where sin and brokenness will be celebrated and where sexually explicit acts will be normalized.” Kuntz didn’t mention a specific event but called for prayer “until July 8,” according to the Star Tribune.
Black initially asked for the mayor’s immediate resignation, saying: “There is no place for homophobic bigotry in city government.”
But Black told The Associated Press that members of Rainbowatonna met with Kuntz on Monday and planned another meeting later this week. Group members are asking Kuntz for an apology “that acknowledges the impact of his actions,” along with diversity and sensitivity training for the mayor and city staff, Black said.
They are also asking Kuntz to appoint a member of Rainbowatonna’s board to the city’s human rights commission, among other measures.
“If he meets these demands, and we’re hopeful that he will, then we would withdraw that request” for his resignation, Black said.
An email sent to the mayor was not returned on Monday.
But in a public response, Kuntz said to Black: “I did what I thought was the right thing to do."
He added: “My intent was not to harass or intimidate anyone. My words were my own and not those of the City. I try each day to follow my own faith and beliefs, but I also recognize other people have the right to follow their own faith and beliefs too. ... Please accept my apologies.”
Kuntz, who has been mayor since 2004, said he reached out to Black and offered to talk through the issue. Last week, Kuntz confirmed parts of Black's letter to the Owatonna People’s Press and said: “A couple people asked if there was going to be pole dancing, so I asked that."
He also said that he felt God would not approve of drag shows and homosexuality.
An attendee holds up flags during the New York City Pride Parade, June 24, 2018, in New York. Members of an LGBTQ+ group are calling on the mayor of a southern Minnesota city to meet their demands — or resign — after he asked pastors at a church holding a Pride event if there would be stripper poles in the sanctuary and posted a public prayer alluding to “sin and brokenness” at the event.
(AP Photo/Steve Luciano, File)
Associated Press
Mon, July 17, 2023
OWATONNA, Minn. (AP) — Members of an LGBTQ+ group are calling on the mayor of a southern Minnesota city to meet their demands — or resign — after he asked pastors at a church holding a Pride event if there would be stripper poles in the sanctuary and posted a public prayer alluding to “sin and brokenness” at the event.
In an open letter to Mayor Tom Kuntz, a Republican, and the Owatonna City Council, Rainbowatonna organizer Nathan Black said Kuntz used his elected position to harass and intimidate people involved in the city's Pride celebration on July 8, the Star Tribune reported. The Pride celebration included a service at Associated Church, festivities at a pavilion and a drag show after-party at the Owatonna Arts Center.
In his public letter, Black said Kuntz spoke to pastors at the church about two weeks before the service. He said the mayor appeared to be upset and asked several “bizarre” questions, including whether there would be stripper poles in the sanctuary. Black said he wasn’t concerned about the mayor’s behavior until later, when he found that last month Kuntz posted a prayer he wrote on social media.
In the prayer, Kuntz asked for wisdom in the face of upcoming public events “where sin and brokenness will be celebrated and where sexually explicit acts will be normalized.” Kuntz didn’t mention a specific event but called for prayer “until July 8,” according to the Star Tribune.
Black initially asked for the mayor’s immediate resignation, saying: “There is no place for homophobic bigotry in city government.”
But Black told The Associated Press that members of Rainbowatonna met with Kuntz on Monday and planned another meeting later this week. Group members are asking Kuntz for an apology “that acknowledges the impact of his actions,” along with diversity and sensitivity training for the mayor and city staff, Black said.
They are also asking Kuntz to appoint a member of Rainbowatonna’s board to the city’s human rights commission, among other measures.
“If he meets these demands, and we’re hopeful that he will, then we would withdraw that request” for his resignation, Black said.
An email sent to the mayor was not returned on Monday.
But in a public response, Kuntz said to Black: “I did what I thought was the right thing to do."
He added: “My intent was not to harass or intimidate anyone. My words were my own and not those of the City. I try each day to follow my own faith and beliefs, but I also recognize other people have the right to follow their own faith and beliefs too. ... Please accept my apologies.”
Kuntz, who has been mayor since 2004, said he reached out to Black and offered to talk through the issue. Last week, Kuntz confirmed parts of Black's letter to the Owatonna People’s Press and said: “A couple people asked if there was going to be pole dancing, so I asked that."
He also said that he felt God would not approve of drag shows and homosexuality.
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