While the issue of whether to permit the Delmarva Pride Center an event permit is a clear responsibility of the Easton Town Council, the impact of their decision reverberates throughout the entire Mid-Shore region with thousands of the LGBTQ+ community eager to continue their very popular annual festival in the town’s historic downtown.
And that’s why the Spy made it a point to tune into last night’s meeting, where the permit was up for approval. And perhaps, like many communities these days, a simple process of approval turned into a cultural debate of sorts on what was family-friendly and what is not, for this traditionally conservative town.
The issue became a parliamentary one as Ward Three’s David Montgomery asked that a vote be tabled until the Council and event planners could better understand community concerns about the event. That proposal set into motion a reviving and sometimes moving discussion among the Council members, Mayor Megan Cook, Pride Delmarva event coordinator Tina Grace Jones and psychiatrist James Kelly.
After considerable discussion, Councilperson Montgomery agreed to a vote on the permit, and the request was granted by a three-to-two majority. (Curry, Abbatiello, and Davis voted in favor, Gunsallus and Montgomery against).
It was also a reminder that civil debate is still possible as the region and country face similar cultural change in the years ahead.
The following is an edited edition of the deliberations. The entire meeting can be seen here.
This video is approximately 25 minutes in length.
Suzanne Todd says
Glad the vote turned out as it did. I’ve attended the event and never noticed a problem. I think it’s good that Easton can be known as an inclusive community.
Clara Kelly says
David Montgomery is the Council member representing Ward 3, not Ward 1.
Shari Wilcoxon says
I sent this letter to the town council. Apparently they don’t care.
To the Easton Mayor and Town Council,
It has come to my attention that the PRIDE organization has again requested to have a parade in downtown Easton (historically Harrison and Dover streets). I understand they have requested mid-day June 15th, a prime time for tourism in Easton.
They have a right to have their parade, and my family and I have a right to not walk right into, and be forced to witness the antics at their parade, if we are shopping, dining, or sightseeing in downtown Easton.
In previous years, this parade specifically has had men dressed in sexually explicit drag costumes, dancing and gyrating and spinning on the ground, legs spread apart, up in the air and had young children running up to tuck money in their scanty garb. This is not appropriate for our family community of Easton, nor is it appropriate to foist upon unsuspecting tourists.
I propose you allow them their parade on West Street, where anyone who chooses to attend will have plenty of space and parking, and those of us who choose to not to attend, but still want to eat and stroll through downtown Easton, without being forced to run into the spectacle, are protected.
My birthday is June 15th, and all my family comes into town, including my young grandchildren ages 5 and 2. We always lunch in one of the downtown restaurants and shop. If you allow the spectacle, I can assure you that the restaurants and shops will lose our business (and taxes) for those days, and I know many others who feel the same.
Protect both of our interests by allowing the parade in a less visible location where people can CHOOSE to attend the parade.
Thank you for your consideration of this fair solution to a difficult situation,
Shari Wilcoxon
Easton Resident
Eva M. Smorzaniuk MD says
I shudder when elected officialst tell me what is good and not good for me. I have attended this event and found it to be uplifting and positive. I thought the drag show was a hoot, and would hope that any parent could explain the premise to a child in age-appropriate terms. I would like to ask the members of the Council who voted against it the question “what exactly do you fear?”
Brian Spector says
“thousands of the LGBTQ community “…I would like to know the validity of that number.
No parent of an elementary school child should have to explain drag shows.
I believe Rehoboth, Delaware would be a far better venue.
Kudos to Mr. Gunsallus and Mr.Montgomery for standing their ground and not being intimidated by the DEI crowd.
Michael Davis says
I guess I need to watch the video to figure out what “family friendly” means. From a basic point of view, members of the LGBTQ+ community are members of families. They have biological parents and often siblings and other relatives that make up families. When they are socially expelled from their families, it is done out of intolerance and hate. “Friendly” has nothing to do with it. Calling hatred family friendly makes no more sense than calling enslaving people a job training program.
Cecily Sharp-Whitehill says
Thank goodness the majority was for inclusion! For Gay Pride having the opportunity to show their pride in who they are. Not flaunt it. Not demonstrate it at the expense of others. Just be who they are — just as any group would want to demonstrate. There will, unfortunately, always be objectors; but objectors only succeed in delaying the rights and privileges of people who don’t fit some traditional idea of normalcy; they cannot prevent them from ultimately having those rights with which they were born.
Gail Chisholm says
Frank Gunsallus presented himself as an ally of the gay and lesbian community when running for office. Another example of a politician distorting the truth to get votes.
bruce purdy says
Thank you, Easton, for allowing the Delmarva Pride Center to hold its parade on June 15th. I for one, and many in the LGBTQ community living here on the Eastern Shore, applaud your decision. It does my heart good to think of Easton as an inclusive place embracing people of different backgrounds, cultures and identities as well as respecting the perspectives and contributions of every individual.
Michael Tooke says
Speaking of pride, I’m proud our community has a leader with the courage of Tina Jones.
Helen Kenney says
“Protect both of our interests by allowing the parade in a less visible location” Okay, and then we can call it “back in the closet” parade? Honestly, this is hurting no one and trust me, our youth understand and accept that not everyone is heterosexual, and not once have I ever witnessed inappropriate behavior at this parade.
Chad Hill says
I’m proud to live in a community where diversity is honored and celebrated and where all people are given equal platforms for expression.
Given Mr. Montgomery’s public track record on local social issues, it’s quite rich and amusing that he would weigh in so heavily on “what is appropriate for children to see in downtown Easton.” Mr. Montgomery – as a parent in Easton, I have complete confidence in my own discretion and don’t need your help or guidance on what is appropriate or inappropriate for my children to see.
In watching the replay of the council meeting, I was particularly impressed with Reverend Elmer Davis in listening to his reflections and support for the Pride event. As I’ve noticed before with prior council meetings, his wisdom, prudence and leadership once again rose to the surface in an obvious and meaningful way.
Chad Hill
Easton