The San Francisco Pride Band’s [1] rousing rendition of Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go!” just after noon on Saturday, October 11, was the first indication of the excitement to follow during the fourth annual Alameda Pride in the Park [2]. Hundreds of Alameda residents and community members from near and far descended upon Chochenyo Park to participate in the afternoon of festivities, which included performances by dancers and drag artists, booths staffed by vendors and organizations, and speeches from local dignitaries.
The event kicked off with a few words from Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft and several Councilmembers, Alameda Unified School District Board Members, and local politicians. Ashcraft emphasized the importance of the event, particularly given the current climate and discourse surrounding the LGBTQ+ community.
Photos by Anne Kohler.
“In today’s current and alarming political landscape, Pride in the Park is especially meaningful because we celebrate October as LGBTQ+ History Month,” said Ashcraft.
“I want you all to remember that we have been here before. We have faced tough times, discrimination, and bias, and ugly things before. And we know how to fight back!” she added, urging the audience to vote in the upcoming Special Statewide Election [3] to consider Proposition 50.
The speeches were followed by a riveting dance performance from Alameda’s Dance/10 Performing Arts Center [4], with dancers donned in pink, and dulcet tones from the Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus [5].
But perhaps the most anticipated event was the drag show featuring Vicky Sparkle-Titz & Friends. The drag artists danced and sang along to popular songs and got up close and personal with audience members and families who were lounging on the grass and picnic blankets.
Audience participation was welcome during the drag show. Video by Ken Der.
Karma Telfor, who dances at events around the Bay Area and is the self-proclaimed “Princess of Alameda,” remarked on the importance of being a performer at Alameda Pride.
“This is how I dress on the weekends,” explained Telfor. “I want kids to see that they don’t have to be boxed in or follow a set of rules on how to dress.”
[6]Behind the stage were nearly 80 tents, each featuring a local artist, organization, or business intent on introducing themselves or showing off their wares and creations to anyone who walked by. Ash and Bone Hair Studio, which recently opened a salon in South Shore Center, was one such example, and a staff member was busily adding glitter to the hair of intrigued passersby while offering the opportunity to provide more dramatic hair transformations.
“It’s great to have support for local businesses here,” he said, adding that Ash and Bone helps its clients “show pride through something that is more permanent than just glitter.”
[7]Drawing a different kind of crowd, however, was a lone religious demonstrator near San Jose Avenue. He wore a shirt with the words “Study the Bible” and “Repent,” and used a microphone to proselytize his views on homosexuality, sin, and eternal damnation in hell. Stephanie Ireland, who identifies as queer and participates in roller derby events across the Bay, looked on warily.
“My favorite part of this event is knowing that this is a safe space, even with him raining on people’s parades,” said Ireland. “We’re in a state of hell right now, but he just doesn’t realize it.”
[8]For much of the event, the demonstrator debated attendees and attracted counter-protestors, a few of which held an impromptu “God loves the gays!” sign in front of him.
“Look at how beautiful these flags are!” yelled a group of young students, as they held up transgender pride flags together. “You’re arguing with children! Do you realize how silly this looks?”
Dex, a 12-year-old, explained why it was so important for the group to make themselves heard. “I don’t believe his message that God doesn’t like gays,” Dex said. “If God created everyone, then why would he create gays?”
[9]As Founder and President of Alameda Pride, Jeramie Andehueson served as emcee, timekeeper, and comic relief at times throughout Pride in the Park. Ahead of the event, Andehueson—who also was the Grand Marshal of this year’s 4th of July Parade [10]—had planned to make it as family-friendly as possible.
“I wanted to play out to the families,” he explained to Scott Piehler during the October 5 episode [11] of the Alameda Connection [12] radio show on KCSM-HD2 [13]. “I think there’s a need for that, especially in Alameda. I just wanted to make it a comfortable place for everyone and all ages.”
In a statement to the Alameda Post, Andehueson reflected on the success of Pride in the Park.
“I’m so proud of Alameda and the incredible support it shows for the queer community,” he stated. ”I’m filled with such joy seeing our LGBTQ+ friends feel safe, seen, happy, and accepted among their chosen families.”
He added, “That’s what this is all about—creating space where people can feel good about exactly who they are and never have to hide it. It truly takes a village to make something like this happen, and I’m endlessly grateful to our supporters, volunteers, and attendees who bring this vision to life.”
Ken Der is a contributing writer for the Alameda Post [14]. Contact him via [email protected] [15]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Ken-Der [16].