For James Robinson it’s all about community. ‘Together we are doing great things‘ is the mantra for Robinson’s Huntsville-based nonprofit group GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services. The group advocates for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people with a specific focus on teenagers, bullying, and homelessness. His work there as executive director made orchestrating Pride celebrations in Huntsville — well — a walk in the park.

Hard Work

This year has been big for Robinson. He received the Billy Jack Gaither Humanitarian Award in February for his work with GLBT youth. In April, when Louis Farrakhan spoke at Alabama A&M University, Robinson met with the university President to express concerns about divisive messages. In turn, he was invited to attend the lecture by Farrakhan.

Following the event – in a note posted on Facebook – Robinson said of the experience, “Stepping outside one’s personal comfort zone is not always easy to do … it affords me the brief but invaluable opportunity to look at the world through the eyes of someone not in the social majority.”

He went on to say, “I felt it was important for me to hear [Farrakhan] speak firsthand. I was wearing a rainbow necklace, a necklace with a Christian cross, and a ‘No place for Hate’ button, which was very visible.

For a brief moment, I took off the button because I did not want to appear confrontational. I decided, though, that I believe in what the button says, so I put it back on and wore it throughout the evening.”

Community

[pullquote align=”right”]“Stepping outside one’s personal comfort zone is not always easy to do … it affords me the brief but invaluable opportunity to look at the world through the eyes of someone not in the social majority.-James Robinson”[/pullquote] It is in the spirit of community and acceptance that Robinson organized Pride week activities in Huntsville this year. LaRue Wisener of the Vieux Carre nightclub also shared planning duties.

Robinson said of Wisener, “We share a vision of Rocket City Pride being a truly community oriented event with activities throughout the week for all ages, including participation by groups, organizations, and local businesses.”

History of Pride

Historically, Pride celebrations are seen throughout the world during the month of June, to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Inn police raid. The confrontation in 1969 sparked the Stonewall riots in New York’s Greenwich Village.

It is perhaps the most well-known uprising by the community, and a pivotal moment in the modern LGBT rights movement. In 1970, on the one-year date of the Stonewall riots, the first-ever Pride marches were held in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Fast-forward to 2012, and this year marks forty-two years of fighting for visibility, dignity, and equality.

Event Information

While there are dozens of events scheduled in the Valley from June 16 through June 24, listed below are the high points of Rocket City Pride:

Wednesday, June 20th
Event: Pleasures Rainbow Run Scavenger Hunt
Time: 10 am – until

Thursday, June 21st
Event: GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services benefit show at the Vieux Carre
Time: 8 pm – until

Friday, June 22nd
Event: Malibu White Party at Partners Bar & Grill – Pride King Contest

Saturday, June 23rd
Spirit of the Cross Church Camp meeting – 5 pm dinner / 7 pm worship
Absolut Outrageous Party at Vieux Carre – Pride Queen Contest

Sunday June 24th

• Rocket City Pride Parade at Big Spring Park (Gazebo area)
• Block Party 2 pm
• Parade Line-up 4 pm
• Parade Begins 5 pm

• For Facebook updates on Pride Week click here.
• To follow live coverage on Twitter or contribute to the conversation use hashtag #PrideHSV.
• Support of the non-profit GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services is always welcome and donations may be made here.

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Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.