This past Saturday, I participated with the local Republican Chapter and hosted a booth at the Antelope Valley Pride Festival.
The festival was fun. My partner hosted a booth as well with another organisation, but were also prepared to switch if the need arose. The Antelope Valley Republican Assembly (AVRA) unanimously approved my request when I inquired and promptly delivered my setup for the booth. I, of course, added some flair of my own and was amply prepared to spend the day batttling the Antelope Valley’s most effective element, the wind; and whatever the rolling eyes said.
The day was early and so was the wind. My neighbours to both sides struggled to prevent their portable awnings from becoming kites like one of the unfortunate vendors down the way. Tips were shared and whatever could be shared for added weight was used to secure all corners. As the day went on, the camaraderie grew and before anyone realised, the gates were opened.
Visitors were treated to a lavender graduation, entertainers, speakers, as well vendors & sponsors eagerly showing their support of the LGBT community. There was food galore and even two Democrat tents for the attendees to enjoy. As the day pressed on, I noticed a pattern of behaviour. Many would avoid the last corner of vendors where I was placed, but some would politely wander over in which case I would happily hand a pocket Constitution while making a snarky remark about it being great reading material that doesn’t go out of style. People smiled and took the pocket editions of our founding documents. I even registered a new voter!
sponsored by the #conservagay
One of my fellow AVRA members did relieve me for a few hours and we manned the booth together when one of the two local Democrat club members came over for some debate & repartee.
After everyone departed and the end of the day approached, I noticed an interesting trend.
The flow of traffic in our corner increased.
I saw an influx of younger nineteen and twenty-something year old gays meandering in and conversing with me. I listened as they told me their tales of perceived woe in the dating arena. They told me about the boys who want open relationships or one night stands, young innocent love (or hope of). I would then share my story and the semblance of commonality became clear. As the day came to a close, again my booth was vacant of attendees–that is, until the Democrat club members or came back.
This time they asked:
Why are you here all day alone?
Where is your leadership?
I told them that I was responsible for the booth’s presence at the festival and many other assembly members were facilitating other events in the Antelope Valley. They commended me, but again were wondering where even the any other Republican members were.
I told them:
It takes a strong person to stand alone, but it took four of you to come here and ask that question. If I’m standing here alone, I am a leader.
Immediately they verbalised their solidarity with me but left soon after. I wonder what I could have said.
thank you Shondell
