Merced residents celebrate diversity at city’s first gay pride event

Dozens of people sang, danced and waved flags Sunday afternoon at Applegate Park during Merced’s first gay pride event organized by the Merced LGBT Community Center.

“What we’re saying here is acceptance,” Merced resident Jamie Bradley said. “There’s nothing different about me than anybody else.”

For the first time, residents of Merced were able to attend an event in support of the LGBT community without having to travel farther than Applegate Park. The Merced LGBT Community Center’s event attracted more than 100 people and informational booths.

Bradley, board member for the LGBT Center, hopes the event will help the community accept LGBT residents as they do other people.

“The fight is still on,” Bradley, 60, said. “The fight for all rights.”

Merced United Methodist Church had a booth letting residents know its doors are open to everyone regardless of their sexual orientation.

“Our church a few years ago made a commitment of inclusivity,” said Jennifer Manilay, chair for the leadership council at United Methodist Church.

Stephanie Van Dyken is a Merced resident and member of United Methodist Church, and said that, as a lesbian, she was glad to find a church that not only allows her to attend but also treats her as an equal and celebrates her.

“I’m proud to be with a church that shares diversity,” Van Dyken said. “All means all.”

Van Dyken said she was ecstatic to be at a gay pride event in Merced, and thought it was about time the city had its own pride activities.

Merced resident Michelle Sousa also thought it was great to see the event in Merced, especially because she grew up attending gay pride events in other communities. Sousa and her 17-year-old son, Nico Sousa, were there as supporters and allies.

“It’s cool Merced has something like this out here,” Nico said. “I would have a two-hour drive to go to something like this, and now we can go in Merced.”

Planned Parenthood, Art Hop, Elvira’s Tacos, the Valley Crisis Center and UC Merced’s Lambda Alliance all featured informational booths at Sunday’s event.

Andre Frise, president for Lambda Alliance, has been part of the LGBT group on campus during his whole career at the university and was happy he was able to see the first pride event in town.

“I think it’s great to see the whole city come together to celebrate LGBT identity,” said Frise, a sociology major. “Regardless of identity, you’re supported.”

Reannon Star Priddy, 38, said she is happy to have a supportive LGBT community in Merced.

“It’s finally here,” Priddy said.

This story was originally published August 22, 2016 at 3:45 PM with the headline "Merced residents celebrate diversity at city’s first gay pride event."