PRIDEFUL DEBTS OF GRATITUDE The makers of QueerBomb and every person uplifted by its manifestation should get down on their knees and thank the organizers of Austin Pride 2010 for the backhanded inspiration to create QueerBomb, one of the most heartfelt and DIY grassroots expressions of LGBTQIA Pride Austin, Texas, has ever seen. Likewise, the makers of Austin Pride and all whom enjoyed its bounty should also get down on their knees and offer up gratitude to the disorganizers of QueerBomb for causing such a ruckus that drew so many national spotlights to Central Texas gayness. You can’t pay for that kind of PR reach. Thank you, Austin Pride. Thank you, QueerBomb. We’re looking forward to learning more about the shakeouts from this year’s festivities. In the meanwhile, check Richard Whittaker’s “The Pride Divide’s Aftermath.”
TWO DECADES OF QUEERING THE PROM Do you realize that if the Out Youth prom continues at this rate, it will be too old to attend itself? At least too old to attend the later portion of the program that is limited to youth only. Yes, the annual queer prom, like Trix, is for kids, and in the spirit of inclusiveness has early hours for geezers and ex-OYers to come out and get down with their bad selves. However, once that clock strikes 10pm, all elderly must vacate the premises! Leave it to the kids. Let the kids have their night all to themselves. In light of this past spring’s story about Constance McMillen having to suffer anti-gay prom shenanigans at the hands of the ignorant in Mississippi (which echoes similar, recent stories from Alabama, Tennessee, ad nauseum), the 2010 Out Youth prom is all the more poignant. Congrats on making it to your 20s, OY prom. Many happy returns! (See Saturday.)
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This article appears in June 18 • 2010.