By Tana Michaels
Respect Fest 2007
7 p.m. Sept. 22
http://www.respectfest.com
989-964-4261
SAGINAW – The LGBT community in Saginaw is giving back in the form of Respect Fest on Sept. 22. The brainchild of Perceptions Saginaw Valley board member Joy D. Clark and Las Vegas musician Deb Barber, Respect Fest is an opportunity to unite various groups to promote awareness about the differences and similarities among the many diverse communities in Michigan.
"Respect Fest is the glue to bring people together to start an open line of communication," Clark says, and "to think of other things besides our individual agendas and toward other people's agendas. Let's all help each other."
Respect Fest began as an idea for Saginaw and its tri-city area, but the excitement grew into an event that now features participation from Lansing, Detroit, Marquette and other areas throughout the state.
Saginaw Valley State University has lent its Malcolm Field Theatre for the Performing Arts for the festival.
The free event, which begins at 4 p.m., also will feature live music. There will be representatives from various groups in Michigan who will educate and promote respect for one another regardless of age, race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, disability or disease, while at the same time celebrating diversity.
"I hope that the fest will help to tear down walls and labels that have been placed on different communities and bring everyone together to foster awareness of the issues that each group faces," Clark says about her goals.
"If it's not in front of me," she continues, "and doesn't necessarily affect me, I put it out of my mind. But there are other issues out there that may be just as important as the ones we see right in front of us."
Co-creator and performer Deb Barber adds, "We don't have to agree on everything – just respect each other's views. We all have something to add to the table of life."
The concert from 7 to 10 p.m. will feature three recording artists. Headlining is co-creator of Respect Fest and Las Vegas recording artist Deb Barber, who grew up in Lapeer and wanted to give back to her home state. Barber has toured extensively throughout the United States. She and her band are donating their performance, but still need financial assistance with travel expenses to get here. Andy Reed of Bay City and Saginaw's own Jeanette Jackson also will perform.
For more information or to donate, visit http://www.respectfest.com.
