Date: Sat, 27 May 1995 22:50:47 -0600 From: ialgpc@tde.com (International Association of Lesbian/Gay Pride Coordinators, Inc.) Subject: Somona County, CA Pride Events THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LESBIAN/GAY PRIDE COORDINATORS, INC. GAY PRIDE EVENT INFORMATION ON SONOMA COUNTY, CA / MAY 25, 1995 *************************************************************************** The following is a repost of information sent to the IAL/GPC. Information is not guaranteed. *************************************************************************** I believe we are one the the few Pride Celebrations to have a mass Wedding and vows renewal Ceremony. This seems to be a very popular event. I believe many others Pride event will soon follow. We now have almost twice as many sign-ups as we had at the same time last year! Dennis Anderson / Secretary ### May 16, 1995 * PRESS RELEASE * For Immediate Release From: Kathryn M. Miller, publicity chair Sonoma County Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee Inc. ANOTHER WEDDING PLANNED FOR GAY PRIDE WEEK CELEBRANTS ("Love makes a family. Nothing more, nothing less!" Reverend Troy Perry, founder, Metropolitan Community Church.) In a gala setting of colorful flowers and with over a hundred doves released after the vows, couples marrying or reaffirming their wedding vows mark the Sonoma County Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee's second annual main Celebration event: "The Wedding" on June 11 at 1 p.m. on the grounds of Santa Rosa Junior College. Last year, 35 couples, some of them heterosexual couples renewing vows, committed themselves to togetherness in life and love before a campus full of participants celebrating the culminating events of Pride Week. The 1 p.m. wedding follows an 11 a.m. parade of floats and marching contingents down Mendocino Ave. to the celebration under the oaks of Santa Rosa Junior College. Celebration events include entertainment, dancing, food and beverage booths, raffles, and presentations of Grand Marshalls Sheila Horowitz and Jim Spahr. The "Community Wedding and Vows Renewal Ceremony" is a particularly moving and symbolic event for a community of diversity seeking recognition of civil and legal rights as domestic partners. Sonoma County's is one of a growing number of nationwide Pride Celebrations to plan such an occasion. In Hawaii, gay and lesbian people pursuing the legal right to marry have experienced court rulings in their favor though opponents continue a legal battle to bar such marriages. The state is currently enjoined to show a compelling interest in discriminating against same sex marriages. Designed to honor the commitments lesbians and gays make to one another, the Sonoma County wedding and reception promises to be a colorful event. Flowers in a rainbow of color reflect the diversity of the community and doves flying overhead after the vows are spoken reflect the universal love that most couples, whether lesbian, gay, bisexual or straight, publicly honor and reaffirm in the presence of the entire community. Dressing up is not required, although some couples do wear traditional wedding gowns and/or tuxedos while others simply come as they are. Anyone present can renew their vows of friendship or partnership and share in this demonstration. Preregistration, even on the campus that morning, is highly recommended as there will be a reception with wedding cake and sparkling toasts to participants and their invited guests only. Also bridal bouquets are available with registration a week or so prior to June 11. For an information packet, an official certificate, and descriptions of all the benefits and nominal cost, send a request and stamped self-addressed envelope to Sonoma County Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee, Inc. (SCLGPC), PO Box 312, Santa Rosa, CA 95402 or call this year's organizer JR at 707-526-4910. Also contact Pride Committee Secretary, Dennis Anderson at 707-795-8548. Tom Ervin Secretary/Treasurer IAL/GPC International Association of Lesbian/Gay Pride Coordinators, Inc.