Perspectives vary on Pride move to Detroit

Within a week of the announcement that Motor City Pride is moving from Downtown Ferndale to Hart Plaza in Detroit, Ferndale citizens are engaging in constructive dialogue about the move. Some hope for alternative events in Ferndale, some are calling for a boycott of the event, while others speak of ways to share the Pride throughout the area.
"I'm disappointed in the decision," Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter said, "but Ferndale is still an attractive place to host events of all kinds and I expect that to continue. Still, our financial crisis is real and taxpayers shouldn't be expected to subsidize events at the same time we're reducing staff, salaries and city services. Organizing events is a time-consuming labor of love and I won't second guess the Pride committee's decision, but these projects have to make sense for both the organizers and the host community. If they decide in the future that Hart Plaza isn't the right venue for them, we'd be very happy to talk about having it come back."
Ferndale has raised fees for Pride over the past few years.
Pride organizer Dave Wait responded to criticisms that the move was based on financial motivations. "This is not an economic decision," Wait said. "The fees charged by Detroit are pretty equal, but it is nice that we get two days, plus more time to set up and take down. The main reason for the move is because we've been talking about doing it in Hart Plaza for years. Three weeks ago we found out that the date was open, and we felt we should take the opportunity.
"I'm not blaming (Ferndale) because I know how it is with money right now. The fees going up encouraged us to look at other options, but we were ready to try something new anyhow." Wait is excited to have the event span two days and said they are working on plans for ways to make this year an even bigger and better event than before. "We loved being in Ferndale, but we really have outgrown the space."
Motor City Pride brings an estimated $1 million into the Ferndale economy each year. Michelle Lewis, who recently opened Painting with a Twist, said "I was hoping to be able to experience Pride as a new business in downtown Ferndale, so I think myself and many others will miss out with the move. However, being unselfish, I think this is great for Pride and I can understand the move. The move will bring it back to the roots of where it started. I think that it is not a total loss to Ferndale. I kinda feel that the Pride will ultimately come back."
Affirmations Interim Executive Director Kevin Howley was surprised by the news of the event's relocation, but supportive. "While we certainly enjoy having Pride at our doorstep in Ferndale, the most important thing is that Pride is accessible and inclusive. Moving it to another location in the metro area may draw participants that don't make the trip to Ferndale every year. We'll definitely be hosting a table at the event and we look forward to helping any way we can. Hosting the Pride Family Picnic is still on our agenda."
Community members have given mixed responses.
Ferndale resident Curt Norrod plans to boycott the event completely. "We'll be sittin' this one out by spending our time and money somewhere in our own community," he said. "Detroit has a long way to go before we support an event there again. Ferndale is where we choose to live because it is a vibrant, inclusive community where we feel safe and welcome."
There is an online petition at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/keep-motor-city-pride-in-ferndale to convince organizers to keep it in Ferndale.
"I am very disappointed. Motor City Pride said they made the move to be able to expand, but there is plenty of room to expand in Ferndale," said resident Melissa O'Keefe. "I will still go, and still donate because I believe in the cause, even though I disagree with how they chose to do it. But I think it's a big shame."
Detroit resident Pam Murray said, "I think Ferndale should stop pouting about losing the parade and official festival and start planning after-parties and activities at Affirmations and local businesses to attract the weekend's overflow crowd. Hopefully the move to a bigger space will be good for Detroit and a new opportunity for Ferndale to celebrate pride weekend in ways that suit the size of the city better."
Ferndale resident Anne-Marie Yerks kept her comments positive. "The important thing is that the event is safe and accessible. If the organizers feel that Hart Plaza will bring more people together, then I support the move 100 percent," she said.