Proud

Reno Gay Pride celebrates its 13th annual festival this year with a reinvigorated feeling of pride and enthusiasm. With passage of the new Nevada domestic partnership law, which takes effect on Oct. 1, the community is ready for quite a celebration. Everyone is invited to join the fun in Wingfield Park this Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11a.m.-6 p.m.

Under the new law, all citizens of Nevada can have the same rights and responsibilities to create loving families and have their relationships honored and protected.

When couples are faced with health care decisions and estate planning, this law gives all citizens the same legal rights.

Imagine being with your partner for more than 20 years and then being told you can’t visit them in the hospital or help with their care. A person’s chosen partner must have standing when a conservator is needed to make medical and financial decisions.

Children who are raised within LGBT families must have their parents’ relationship and their family protected within the law.

The passage of Senate Bill 283 is a defining moment in our history, and I am so proud of all the work Sen. David Parks and many others have put into making this dream a reality.

Reno Gay Pride has sponsored special booth space for the Nevada Secretary of State to help explain to attendees the application process for Domestic Partnership filings.

Reno Gay Pride is honored to have Secretary of State Ross Miller join us on stage at noon on Saturday in support of the new law. On a historical note, Secretary of State Ross Miller’s father, former Gov. Bob Miller, signed the very first gay pride proclamation issued by any governor in the United States in 1996 at the request of Reno Gay Pride members.

Reno Gay Pride celebrates the diversity of the LGBT Community and is the largest such annual celebration in Northern Nevada, giving visibility to the LGBT community. Circus Circus has partnered with Reno Gay Pride to create an enjoyable festival

Although there will not be a parade this year due to declining participation along with escalating costs, a community action page has already been set up at www.RenoGayPride.com for early 2010 contingent sign-up commitments.

Thousands of dollars are raised each year by local organizations at the festival. The economic impact that Reno Gay Pride has on Northern Nevada directly benefits local businesses.

Under cool shade trees in Wingfield Park along the Truckee River, guests will enjoy a full day of live performances and entertainment on the amphitheater stage, along with fabulous food and drinks and great shopping with our unique Reno Gay Pride vendors.

It’s a family event with all-day festival access for $5. Children are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.