By Sarah Mieras
BERRIEN COUNTY – The effects of a float entry by the Out & Affirmation Center in the ever-popular Blossom Festival Parade in St. Joseph County continues to unfold in communities along the southern Lake Michigan shoreline.
When a LGBT organization's participation in the annual parade was announced, negative letters and phone calls flooded its parent organization the YWCA. Threats were even made against the float. But the YWCA and the Out and Affirmation Center pushed forward, and on parade day they heard cheers of support along the route.
In a place with no "gay bar," the float has become a catalyst for change, sparking discussion among allies as well as those opposed to LGBT equality. The float entry, explained the OAC's Director Steven Jurki, was "an honest and sincere effort to participate in the parade as it is seen by the Berrien County Community."
Still, a float depicting the American Flag, made by LGBT people, sparked controversy.
"We were walking on people's symbolic understanding of what the world is," said Jurki.
The hatred that poured out against the float, and the support that lined up along the parade route has brought LGBT issues to the front of the community's mind.
"Every LGBT person in this county knows that there is a strong undercurrent of fear, hatred and distrust about our lives. Before, there has always been a certain amount of politeness about it. Now, it is just out there," said Jurki. "What the parade has done is put things out on the table, positive and negative alike."
To further explore the emotional responses to the parade the YWCA hosted a community forum on May 15.
"LGBT issues were ignored and put aside in this community. The focus was always on race and economic disparity," said YWCA Executive Director Jenny Miner.
By pulling both sides together Miner hoped to begin a community dialogue that would allow the region's LGBT people to live more open and honestly.
"In order for us to live in a safe community we need to understand one another," said Miner. "Until you can begin to have dialogue and form personal connections it's not going to go away."
The rapid polarization of the community around the float has also inspired the LGBT community. "It is actually a very exciting place to be an out LGBT person. Here you can really see what needs to be done," said Jurki.
Last week's forum will be followed up by small groups involving area clergy to keep the discussion going.
"I really do have faith in the Berrien County community particularly based on parade day. But on parade day we saw the support not the anger. I am confident that the people of Berrien County want to find a positive way to express themselves," said Miner.
The OAC also hopes the controversy has paved the way for more of the region's LGBT people to come out and utilize its services. Formed three years ago, the OAC offers a variety of programs ranging from referral services to LGBT friendly doctors, to social and support groups, to education and advocacy efforts. Its mission is to help the LGBT community integrate more fully into Berrien County.
"We really are just a safe place for people to come and hang out for a while," explained Jurki.
One of the OAC's most popular events aims to make more places in the region safe to hang out in. The G2H2 group draws about 70 people once a month to an area bar or restaurant. After working with the owners the group "transforms the place into a gay bar for a night," said Jurki.
After the spotlight the float put on the OAC, Jurki is also hoping its pride event on June 15 will also play host to larger numbers.
For more information about the OAC, its services, programs and Lake Effect Pride, visit www.outcenter .org or call 269-985-9622.
