Charles Koehler 0:00 I'm Charles Koehler, and this is Lambda Reports, a weekly program by and for the St. Louis lesbian and gay community. Every June, a part of Forest Park is transformed into a space that's unlike anywhere else in the Metro St Louis area. That's when thousands of people from the St. Louis area and parts of Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas join in a community celebration of lesbian and gay pride. We welcome members of St. Louis lesbian and gay community committee, Ann Humns, with us this morning. Good morning Anne. And welcome to Lambda Reports. Ann Humns 0:38 Good morning, Charles. Charles Koehler 0:40 First of all, Ann, why is a celebration held every year, and why in June? Ann Humns 0:48 Well, I think the first reason for the celebration is kind of obvious, is to celebrate who we are. It's a chance for us to come out together in the community and see each other in the numbers that we are. I think a lot of times we get involved in our lives, we lose touch with just exactly how many people are out there. And it's a very empowering experience to come together in in numbers. Charles Koehler 1:17 It really is a charge to be there. And when we're talking about numbers, the St. Louis Metropolitan area, if we just look at that, has about two and a half million people, something like that. If we take the figure of 10% of the population, that's approximately 250,000 lesbian and gays in the St. Louis area, that's a lot of people. Ann Humns 1:41 It sure is. Charles Koehler 1:41 We're not going to have 250,000 people there, because not everyone is able to, for whatever reasons, because of, you know, wherever they are in the stage of coming out or coming to terms with what they are. But we're talking about thousandst of people that are going to be at this event. Yes, yeah. And when we're talking about this event, we're talking actually about a whole series of events. And what are some of the activities that are being planned between today Sunday, the 21st of June, and then the Parade and Festival that's held next Sunday on the 28th? Ann Humns 1:41 Well, today, this afternoon, at three o'clock at the Sheldon, it will be the Gateway Men's Chorus in concert on Washington Boulevard. Charles Koehler 2:16 Great, now that the for those listeners who haven't heard the Gateway Men's Chorus, they're, they're just an incredible group of people. They've just recently received funding from the State of Missouri. Ann Humns 2:44 and I bellieve some arts commission grants. Yes, they're a wonderful group. And I would encourage anybody who can to come to the show. Charles Koehler 2:54 Okay, so we have the events on Sunday, today, at three o'clock. That would be actually a very nice Father's Day present Ann Humns 3:03 Yes, it would. Charles Koehler 3:04 for many of our listeners. they're really super. They've been reviewed in, you know, The Riverfront Times and everything else. They're great. They really are. And then what other sort of activities do we have coming up? Ann Humns 3:17 Well, of course, we have the St. Louis Gay Pride Celebration that has their weekly meetings on Monday night. Those are open to anybody who wants to be involved with the Pride Celebration planning. Charles Koehler 3:29 And even at this late date, I'm sure that you're still open to having help. Ann Humns 3:33 We always need help. The more the merrier. Charles Koehler 3:36 Because those who haven't been to the Celebration in the past. I mean, we're talking about a major undertaking. Ann Humns 3:45 Yes, there is, anybody who, whatever they want to do, can come to the meetings, find out what the meetings are about, find out where they fit in, and it would be greatly appreciated. Charles Koehler 3:57 Great. And we'll be giving a phone number later on in the program as to how to call, or where to call, and get more information as to where the meetings are held and the like, so that that'll be happening on Monday night. Then Tuesday the 23rd Ann Humns 4:13 23rd We have gay pride night for the black gay community. It's a special show hosted by Sheila Simpson at Fallout, that's downtown on Washington. Awesome. Charles Koehler 4:25 That's a new bar? Ann Humns 4:28 Yes, it's a new bar. It just recently opened. That event will be from 9pm to 3 in the morning. So for the late night goers, that'll be a chance to get out. Also the Gay Men's Support Group of St. Louis will have an open house at the Metropolitan Community Church on Dolman. Charles Koehler 4:48 Okay, that's very close to Lafayette Square, if I remember correctly. Ann Humns 4:52 It would be Park and Dolman. Okay, actually, to get there, Charles Koehler 4:55 Great. And they're an organization, which I understand provide some very important support for men in the St. Louis community that are coming to terms with their sexuality, or maybe have been out for a while, and Ann Humns 5:14 dealing with all those issues that we have to deal with from day to day. I think it's real reaffirming to have a support group to share with other people the things we're going through and how we learn to deal with them. Charles Koehler 5:28 Okay, great, great one, one of the many resources that exist in the St. Louis area for lesbians and gays. Yes, Great. Ann Humns 5:39 Wednesday, I believe the 24th we have the Youth Pride Dance, which will also be at Fallout, that's for the younger set. Charles Koehler 5:47 Okay, let's talk a little bit about that. I understand that the Youth Pride Dance is sponsored by Growing American Youth, which is an organization that has been in existence for well over 10 years, and they provide some incredibly important support for lesbian and gay youth under 21 who are coming to terms with their sexuality and need someone to talk to. Need to meet other people like themselves. Need affirmation. It provides an important social support function. And we've had members of the Growing American Youth on the program before, and this is one of the only resources available to lesbians and gays under 21 in the St. Louis area. Something I'll just mention a little bit off the subject, but I feel very strongly about it is a 1989 Division of Health and Human Services study conducted by the federal government concluded that lesbian and gay youth are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide because of lack of support, and that society, one of the conclusions is that society needs to start doing things that will give support to these kids who don't have the affirmation that they might need from society, from their family and everything else. And so for that reason alone, I feel that Growing American Youth provides such a valuable resource to the communities, and I'm sure, indirectly or directly, has helped to save a number of lives. But Growing American youth on the 24th will be holding their annual dance, Ann Humns 7:55 Right. Charles Koehler 7:55 And that's at what time again? Ann Humns 7:57 That starts at 9pm at Fallout again, Charles Koehler 8:00 Okay. Ann Humns 8:00 on Washington Boulevard. Charles Koehler 8:02 Right Ann Humns 8:03 The 25th we have a celebrate gay pride with Paul Lukakas at the Fallout, again, that's from 9pm to 3 in the morning. Charles Koehler 8:12 Great. We've had him on the program here too. Very interesting individual from New York area and tell us a little bit about more about what's happening on the 20s. Ann Humns 8:27 Let's see we have Dignity St. Louis is sponsoring their annual roller skating party at the Saints roller skating rink. That's at 1168 North Warson, west of I 70 and north of Olive Street road. It'll be from 6 to 8pm admission is only $2.50 and that includes your skate rental and skating for the for the evening. Charles Koehler 8:52 That's one of the bargains of the week. Ann Humns 8:55 All those proceeds will go to the Gay, Lesbian and pride committee for the festival coming up the end of the week. Charles Koehler 9:02 Great and for our listeners, dignity is a group of Roman Catholics who are lesbian or gay, or supportive of persons who are lesbian and gay. And they've done some really important work in the St. Louis area. Also, they've done support for persons in need and the homeless person. Every year, they've done lots of really important work. Then what else do we have? Ann Humns 9:29 Well, on the 26th we have a series of speakers entitled Visions 92, featuring speaker Timothy McFeely, who's the Executive Director of the Human Rights Campaign Fund of Washington DC that will be at St. Louis City Hall at Tucker and Market from 7:30 till 10 o'clock PM. For more information, there is a phone number people are interested. They can call 533-6484. Charles Koehler 10:00 Great, let's get that number again, just in case our listeners need to call. Ann Humns 10:05 That's 533-6484, Charles Koehler 10:09 Great. Tom McFreely, his and the Human Rights Campaign Fund, our listeners might not know too much about it. What can we tell them about it? Well, one thing I know for sure is that, and he's been on this program before, interviewed by one of our other co-hosts, John Hilgeman, this is a lobbying organization in Washington, DC, based out of Washington, DC, that has been responsible for much of the progressive legislation that has been passed in the, on the federal level, to ensure that things such as progressive laws concerning persons with AIDS has been passed, concerning privacy rights and concerning other issues that are very important to the lesbian and gay community, laws that are responsible, laws that are fair, and they've done an incredible amount of good work. And what I think is really significant about this event is the fact that it is being held at the location that is being held in St. Louis Ann Humns 11:33 City Hall Charles Koehler 11:34 and in St. Louis City Hall. I think that that's some really groundbreaking news. I'm sure that, hopefully that St. Louis is ready for this. Ann Humns 11:46 I hope they show up for it, because they really miss out on a wonderful speaker for Timothy McFreely. Charles Koehler 11:53 Right? Okay, what else do we have then? Ann Humns 11:56 Well, also that evening, we have a karaoke sing along at Attitudes. Attitudes is the women's bar in St. Louis. Wonderful place to be. I encourage everybody and anybody to make sure they stop by there. They're located at 4100 Manchester, and the karoke sing along will start about 8pm Charles Koehler 12:18 Now for people that don't know what a karaoke sing along is what, what can we tell them about it? I know that it started in Japan a number of years ago. It's something that that was kind of popular there, and it just came over to the states. And as I understand it, it's basically where they have taped music, and an ability for people in the audience to step in front of a microphone, and Ann Humns 12:45 it encourages people to come up and show their other side, a chance to show off and share their shower singing with the rest of the crowd. Charles Koehler 12:56 And it's Just a lot of fun. Ann Humns 12:59 Yes, it is. Also proceeds for that also goes towards the Gay Pride Celebration Committee. If anybody wants any information for that, they can call 534-3858. Charles Koehler 13:14 Okay, and that number again is Ann Humns 13:16 534-3858. Charles Koehler 13:19 Great. Great. Ann Humns 13:20 We also have the Fifth Annual Mr. St Louis leather pride contest at Clementines. Clementines is a bar restaurant located at 2001 Menard. Charles Koehler 13:33 That's very close to Saint Louis University. Ann Humns 13:35 Yes it is. It starts at 10pm they're offering $250 prize for first place and $50 for second place. For any more information, just call clems, and they'll tell you more information and how you can get a hold some entry forms. Charles Koehler 13:56 Great, great. Okay, and then what else do we have coming up? Ann Humns 14:00 Well, then we come up to 27th the big day in St Louis. This is the turning point for us in St. Louis, that this is a total different kind of festival than we've ever had. Instead of it being a one day event, we are now having a two day event. Charles Koehler 14:16 So on the 27th which is Saturday, next Saturday Ann Humns 14:21 marks the beginning of the 1992 Pride Fest. Charles Koehler 14:25 Okay, great. Now, now why? Before we talk about what's going to be happening that day, and there's a lot planned for for that day, and also for the 28th which is Sunday, why was it decided to hold events on two days, Saturday and Sunday, instead of just Sunday as as it happened in the past. Ann Humns 14:46 Well, I guess we wanted, there was not enough time in one day to include everything that we wanted to do. We have some very important political groups that have a lot to share with the community. This is a time when we do get a lot of people that come out. It gives us a chance to expose them to what's really, actually available in the community, and all the groups that are out there working hard for them. Charles Koehler 15:15 And I think that it's significant to note that knowing this information can be very empowering, knowing what's happening right in our own backyard, and conservative, nothing happening here St. Louis, that lots of things are happening to make some very positive changes in our community, some very much needed changes that would be beneficial to the whole St. Louis population, you know, things such as some people will be talking about the the work that is being started, for instance, between the St. Louis lesbian and gay community and the police department. I mean, that's one thing that in Ann Humns 15:56 How to Help Queers group. Charles Koehler 15:58 Absolutely, to help make life safer for everyone, whether regardless of their orientation. You know, I see that as being a very important, responsible step forward that that's been been taken through the initiative, I must say, of some of individuals, of individuals within the lesbian and gay community, and also some very hopeful response from from some people in the St. Louis through throughout the St. Louis area police departments. So it's an important first start, step. So So that's what's going to be happening, because there's just so much to cover on both days. Could we talk about some of the specifics that will be happening on the 27th? Ann Humns 16:44 Sure. Well, Saturday, we have, first of all, we're very proud to present our guest speaker is, will be Phyllis Young. She is a Seventh Ward Alderman here in St. Louis. Phyllis Ward was responsible for the passing of Resolution 22, which is a resolution whereby the City openly accepts us as fun, as being operative in St. Louis, recognizing us as a community, and saying that, yes, this is the day we commemorate the gays and lesbians in St. Louis. Charles Koehler 17:20 Now, this is a resolution that was passed by the City Board of Alderman. Alderman, right? Ann Humns 17:26 Resolution Number 22. Charles Koehler 17:28 Well, this is, this is groundbreaking news. I mean, this is something that, Ann Humns 17:32 Especially for St Louis. Charles Koehler 17:34 This is something has never happened before in the entire history of St. Louis, that for the first time, the Board of Aldermen have recognized that, yes, not only that there is a lesbian and gay community, but that they have made important contributions to the St Louis community as a whole. Ann Humns 17:54 Yes, that is something we're extremely proud of, and we're very honored to have her as our guest speaker Saturday, along with some other speakers, we're going to have from some of the groups that are active, just to mention a few, we would have speakers from the group ACT UP. Charles Koehler 18:15 Which is AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power. Ann Humns 18:19 Also the Action Committee, the Missouri Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and also we have a speaker from Queer Nation, and also from PREP, which is Privacy Rights and Education Project, great. So we really look forward to having a lot of dynamic people coming out and empowering us with their with their speaking. Charles Koehler 18:45 One of the things I think that it's important to note is that with it seems like, within the past couple of years, and I've talked to other people that have noted the same sort of thing, that there seems to be a fundamental change in society, not only nationwide, but also in St. Louis, in terms of empowering and empowerment within the lesbian and gay community, that for one of the first times, for instance, that the media is reporting, beginning to report responsibly on lesbian and gay issues in the same way that they are, or have been reporting for other minorities for quite some time, that society as a whole is beginning to recognize that there's this invisible population that's all around them. Ann Humns 19:34 Yes, they're everywhere. Charles Koehler 19:36 Everywhere, constantly. Everyone is surrounded by lesbian and gay people, although they might not know about it, and that the lesbian and gay population has a lot to offer to our society and also has a lot of issues that are unique to it, that need to be addressed. In terms of, if nothing else, in terms of just basic fairness, yes. And you know, if indeed, we are a nation with liberty and justice for all, we need to make sure that that Ann Humns 20:14 includes lesbians and gays Charles Koehler 20:16 lesbians and gays includes at least 10% of the population, lesbians and gays. Great and so what we'll be hearing on Saturday the 27th is from a number of different organizations, some of which have just really blossomed and formed within the past couple of years and have done some incredible work in the St. Louis area and also on a statewide basis. You know, PREP, We read about them in the newspaper ACTION, which is a newly forming organization which is involved with a lot of political work and a lot of things that have been accomplished in the St. Louis area and on a statewide level. Ann Humns 20:57 Yes, the speakers are from all walks of life, there'll be all race, all sex, all gender will be represented with these groups. Charles Koehler 21:05 even in different sexual orientations too. Yes, that you know, Ann Humns 21:09 and that in itself, is, I think, is phenomenal that we're able to have that. That we have that much activity and that much coalition in our community. So that'll really be a really big celebration for a Saturday. Charles Koehler 21:24 Okay, now exactly where is this going to take place and what time on Saturday? Ann Humns 21:28 OK. Saturday, it starts at one o'clock. It'll be in the lot adjacent to the Steinberg Rink. There's a parking lot, and then you'll see there's a cove of trees, and there'll be a number of tents set up with tables and booths and just an awful lot of activity going on. So if you make it to Steinberg Rink, you can't miss it. Those events will go from 1 till 6pm there will also be some entertainment for that day. We're expecting Debbie Baker, a comedian to emcee our event. And also, Charles Koehler 22:03 She's great. Ann Humns 22:04 Yes, she is. We also have, we'll have Rocky Patterson, who's a blues singer, will be able to be there for us. And at the same time, there'll be food available to picnic food for sale. A few of our community vendors will be there, so it'll be a chance for people to come out with their families, come out, listen, be entertained and have a good time. Charles Koehler 22:37 Great, great. Well, it sounds like a super day of activities, and that's from one until six near Steinberg Rink in Forest Park, Saturday, the 27th Ann Humns 22:48 That evening. Charles Koehler 22:49 That's not all. Ann Humns 22:52 That's not all. That evening. We also have the Debutramps Ball that will be at Angles, which is, this is the 92 Debutramp Ball. St. Louis, Lesbian Gay Pride celebration extends a warm welcome to everyone to come out. It'll be a chance to see us making fools of ourselves and making attempt to do our own form of entertainment. That again, be at Angles at 3511 Chouteau. Admission is only $2 and it starts at 10, at 10pm. Of course, all proceeds will go to the Success of the Pride Festival, Great. And one other event which I have a little vested interest is the Wired women's Concert is been, become an annual event for the Wired Women to do a concert in coordination with the Pride Festival. This year, we're presenting a double bill of two entertainers, Lucy Butremblay and Heather Bishop. These are both women from Canada. So we're calling this our Canadian concert. Charles Koehler 24:02 Oh, that event from folks from the North. Yes, Ann Humns 24:07 That event starts at 8pm, and it'll be at the at the Sheldon in the concert hall. For anybody who wants more information, can call 776-8502, there will also be a dance to follow upstairs in the ballroom soon. Yeah, Charles Koehler 24:24 What's that number again? Ann Humns 24:26 776-8502. Charles Koehler 24:29 Great, and that's going to be at the Sheldon. I understand that you've been involved with Wired Women for some time. Ann Humns 24:35 Yes, I have. Wired Women has been very gracious to me, and I've really enjoyed working with them. They've I've learned an awful lot. Learned how to DJ. I'm in the process of doing sound training so that we can become a little bit more self-sufficient in providing our own sound for our events. I'm learning to produce concerts. It's a. Um, there's no end to what I I'm going to be able to do. So I encourage everybody to come to the Wired Women concert, because they're very enjoyable. Charles Koehler 25:11 I've been to some concerts before hosted by Wired women, and they, they are really dynamite events. Ann Humns 25:16 We have some really good turnouts. Charles Koehler 25:17 Oh yeah, for our events. Just, just great. Great. So that takes care of Saturday, the 27th and as if that's not enough, that's followed by Ann Humns 25:30 the 28th Charles Koehler 25:30 the 28th which is next Sunday, which caps off this whole week long of activities, and that also will be taking place in Forest Park near Steinberg rink. And what can you tell us about that? Ann Humns 25:47 Well, that's the day we have our parade as long as well as our festival. The parade will start at 11pm near Steinberg Rink. We will assemble and we will go through a map. We have a map located in the Pride Guide. This year the parade tours through the Central West End and then returns back to the Pride Fest site. Charles Koehler 26:12 You mentioned about the Pride Guide. That's, it's, it's basically a listing of all the activities for the whole month of June. Actually, it's a huge publication. It's got color cover. It's very impressive Ann Humns 26:27 . That's something we're extremely proud of this year, Charles Koehler 26:30 and it's free. Price is Right. Ann Humns 26:34 Yes, it is. I would encourage anybody to pick up a pride guide. They're available at most all community events, in stores, retail stores, Our World, Too bookstore, Magnolias, Angles, Left Bank Books, any of the bars we've tried to really made a wide area of distribution on them. Charles Koehler 26:58 Right we're leaving out lots of places that they're available at, the traditional places that you can think of, that's where you could pick up a free copy. And it's a very impressive publication. The Pride Committe should be very proud of. Ann Humns 27:16 Oh, we are, especially this year. This year has been our commemorative issue. And inside is a calendar of events with information for everybody so they know what's going on on what day. There's also a number of articles that a lot of people find of interest. Some of the speakers that we were talking about Saturday, some of those groups, there's information on those groups, there's information on other entertainment that's available throughout the whole year. There's advertisements from people who are part of the community give you an idea of where you want to spend your money and invest it back into the lesbian and gay community. So I really encourage picking up a Pride Guide. Charles Koehler 28:01 Now we only have a short amount of time left, actually, but let's talk about what some people consider one of the highlights of the entire week, that day, Sunday, the 28th starting at 10am near the Steinberg Rink. They'll be, from what I understand, booths from almost all the organizations in the St. Louis area. Some of the businesses will have booths there. There will be information. There will be games, Ann Humns 28:28 Retail not for profit groups. Of course, the Pride Committee will be selling their merchandise every year. We have a Pride logo and a theme, and we like to pass it around to as many people as we can in the form of merchandise, T shirts, tank tops, hats, buttons, Pride buttons. You don't want to be caught dead without your Pride button at the Pride festival, because you can get thrown in jail. Charles Koehler 28:57 And this is all for the farm, all for the purpose of raising, fundraising. Fundraising, yes, they have a portable sort of mock jail, and you get bailed out of jail. Ann Humns 29:09 Yeah, you can pay to have somebody arrested. Yeah, it's a lot of fun. Charles Koehler 29:14 So there's going to be this parade, which starts promptly Ann Humns 29:17 at 11. Charles Koehler 29:19 Oh, at 11. Ann Humns 29:19 It starts at 11 o'clock, Charles Koehler 29:21 Okay. And it'll be going through the Central West End. And if you can't participate directly in the parade for whatever reasons, there's people all along the parade route, thousands of people that you know Ann Humns 29:36 stand there, and route us on Charles Koehler 29:37 Absolutely it's and if you can either, either way, it's an incredibly empowering event. I mean, it can be really life, life changing. Ann Humns 29:46 Yes, it is. It's very invigorating. . Charles Koehler 29:50 Well, we've been talking to Anne Humns of the St. Louis Lesbian and Gay Pride committee, and we've run out of time already for a recap of the dates. It's Saturday, June the 27th from one to six, and also Sunday, June the 28th at the picnic festival and parade, both held in Forest Park near the Steinberg Skating Rink. For more information or to volunteer to help out for this event, call the Pride line at 772 8888 that's 772 8888. Transcribed by https://otter.ai