EQUALITY IN TACOMA >>>

As I signed a card supporting equal rights at yesterday's Out in the Park event in downtown Tacoma, the young man soliciting my signature tried desperately to convince me it was the right thing to do. He said his quest for signatures was not a gimmick.  He may or may not have been drunk.

I had not questioned him in the least, and as a matter of fact, quickly agreed to sign whatever I needed to sign to make gay marriage legal, put progressive people in political chairs, and allow "colored folk" to drink out of public water fountains.  (It all seems as archaic as the other, right?  It's 2011 for fuck's sake.)

(Photo Credit: Jen Cook-Asaro)

Moving this year's festivities to Ninth and Broadway, Out in the Park booths lined Broadway Tacoma Farmer's Market style with helpful information and rainbow-themed wares.  Free hugs were handed out along with lots and lots of friendly smiles. Everyone was strong; pride was made public; and hopes of equality wafted through Pierce Transit Park alongside the sounds of talented musicians on stage. 

(Photo Credit: Jen Cook-Asaro)

Beginning at 2 p.m. was when the real party began, and where the gay pride flag flew its highest... down the street at The Mix's Tacoma Pride Block Party.  With the street blocked to all traffic, dance music was spun by local DJs while scantily clad men and women propositioned you with Jell-O shots and flirtatious banter. (At The Mix's Block Party is where I learned that ultimately, no matter how gay or how straight a man might be, all men love breasts.  And I do mean ALL men.) 

(Photo Credit: Jen Cook-Asaro)

All part of the block party action, drag queens graced the stage with hypnotizing movements, STINK donned a special menu, Pacific Grill was on hand serving up fiery shrimp cocktails and The Office produced grubbin' sliders for all who had munchies.  Steve Naccarato stood by offering 253 paraphernalia to anyone interested in flaunting not only their gay pride, but their local pride as well.

(Photos of the Mix Pride Block Party crowd and Miss Gay Tacoma by Steph DeRosa)

I could go on and on and on about the great time Liesl Diesl, the Swarners and I had alongside Jacob Rose and his cohorts at The Mix, but the cheap ass Volcano has me on a tight budget and refuses to reward my excessive triple-drabble. So instead I'll show you a video of Katrina Duall who usually performs at The Airport Tavern. 

More photos from Jen Cook-Asaro of yesterday's Out in the Park action