Date: Thu, 02 Mar 2000 23:23:54 +0000 Subject: NYC's First Inclusive St. Patrick's Parade From: "Jes=?ISO-8859-1?B?+nMgTGVicvM=?=n" For Immediate Release: Contacts:Ellen Duncan (718)961-0278 March 3, 2000 Brendan Fay (718)721-2780 First Lady to Join Gay-Friendly St. Patrick's March in Queens Aides of senate candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton have confirmed that the First Lady will be joining the city's first inclusive St. Patrick's parade this Sunday, March 5th at 1:00 p.m. in Sunnyside, Queens. The borough's first in 237 years of Irish parades in NY, it will be "welcoming of those in our community who have been excluded from other parades throughout the city" said Brendan Fay a chief organizer with the St. Patrick1s Parade Committee. The parade will reflect the diversity of the Irish community with over 70 contingents such as the Irish Arts Center, Brehon Law Society, Emerald Isle Immigration Center, Lavender and Green Alliance, representatives from the Choctaw Nation, Irish Lesbian and Gay Organization, and St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Leading a large contingent of numerous unions is Branch 294 of the Flushing Letter Carriers Association. The idea for the all-welcoming parade has been growing for some time. Ellen Duncan, the parade's other co-chair, said the committee found enthusiasm and positive encouragement to be the predominant sentiments among the Irish community. Duncan, who lives in Queens with her husband and two children, said "Working on this parade reflects the values I grew up with in Ireland -- respecting and enjoying the diversity of life and of who we are as Irish people . Besides, this is a parade we can now come to as a family and enjoy the company of our many friends, whether catholic, protestant, gay or straight." The parade's theme is "cherishing all the children of the nation equally." To reflect this theme and spirit children from the community will be leading the parade. The parade logo is designed by Irish artist Robert Ballagh. Support for the parade has come from beyond the city with groups traveling from as far as Washington and Cleveland. "We are especially excited with the participation of the Bread and Puppet Theater from Vermont," said Fay, "their huge puppets will add to the days festive spirit." Both Fay and Duncan said they were delighted by the First Lady's decision to join in the parade. "Her support for our message of inclusiveness mirrors the sentiments of contemporary Ireland," said Fay. Fay, who also leads the NY Irish lesbian and gay cultural group Lavender and Green Alliance, said that this was like a dream come true. "For the last decade many of us in the Irish community have found ourselves on the outside of our community celebrations. The St. Patrick's parade in Queens will begin to heal a crises that has overshadowed every St. Patrick's Day parade in this city for the past decade. Ours is a "c=E9ad m=EDle f=E1ilte" for all. What we dreamed of 10 years ago we are making a reality. That's the spirit of New York. It can bring out the best in all of us." For parade directions and more information or to volunteer call (718) 390-3542 or e-mail stpatsforall@email.com or visit the web site: http://www.lavenderandgreen.com