UPDATE from event organizer John Becker:
LGBT hero Susan Murray has agreed to be the emcee for next week's Stonewall Commemoration.
Ms. Murray is an accomplished attorney who served as co-counsel (with now-Vermont Supreme Court Justice Beth Robinson) for the landmark Baker v. Vermont case that resulted in the passage of the nation’s first civil union law in 2000, and also spearheaded the campaign to achieve full marriage equality for Vermont’s same-sex couples, a milestone reached in 2009.
We are thrilled and honored to have Susan Murray on board as emcee -- her presence will make an already amazing event even better. Please continue spreading the word. Looking forward to seeing all of you there -- Wednesday, June 27 at the Unitarian Universalist Church at the top of Church Street, Burlington. Event starts at 8pm.
Come out to the vigil commemorating the Stonewall Riots in Burlington on June 27.
This event welcomes all equality-minded Vermonters -- the LGBT community and allies. Organizers want this to be an inter-generational event, welcoming to people of all ages.
Please spread the word by posting to your Facebook page and other networks, and telling friends and family.
Click here for the Facebook event page. R.S.V.P. is encouraged but not required.
Video volunteer wanted:
Can you help record this event for the Vermont Queer Archives and to aid in planning future commemorations? Please contact John Becker.
Pride Vermont-Sponsored Event Commemorates Beginning of LGBT Rights Movement
BURLINGTON, Vt – Pride Vermont announced plans today for a non-sectarian, non-political memorial service commemorating the 43rd anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the raid on a New York City gay bar that sparked the modern movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality.
The solemn event will be held at 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at the Unitarian Universalist Church at the top of Church Street in Burlington; it will include music, a reading of the events of that historic night, testimony from two Vermonters who were in New York during the riots, and remarks from prominent LGBT Vermonters including Margaret Tamulonis, the Vermont Queer Archivist. It will conclude with a candlelight vigil.
“We invite equality-minded Vermonters from across the state to join Pride Vermont on June 27 for this important event,” said Randy Violette, a Pride Vermont committee member and the coordinator of the service. “As the Stonewall Riots fade further into memory, it is particularly important for the LGBT community and our allies to tell the story, connect with our shared history, and honor those in generations past who have struggled and died in the fight for equality.”
Added committee member Michael Knaapen, “This is especially true in a pro-equality state like Vermont, where the LGBT community enjoys freedoms bought by the courage of those who’ve gone before us.”
President Obama has declared the month of June as LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. Many pride events around the world are held during June to celebrate and support LGBT people and families, and recognize the current and historical contributions they make to their local, state, national, and worldwide communities. In 2012, Pride Vermont will be held in September in order to better include the state’s students and foliage tourists.
“The June 27 commemoration will ensure that Vermont marks the Stonewall anniversary with pride and dignity,” said Violette. “We hope that it inspires all who attend to continue working toward equality and keeps the memory of Stonewall alive in our time.”
Pride Vermont is the statewide pride festival for Vermont’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and ally community. Equality-minded Vermonters gather to celebrate our state for its safe, healthy, empowering community that embraces all of life’s colors. We take Pride in Vermont’s progress towards equality and want Vermonters to know that being queer in Vermont is something worth celebrating. This year’s festivities consist of a week of activities culminating in the Annual VGSA Pride Cruise on September 21 and the Pride Vermont Parade, Festival, and Northern Decadence Food Expo on September 22.
