| LINDA'S LIFE IN SEATTLE |
On Sunday June 27, 1999 the annual Pride Day Parade and pridefest was held in Seattle on Capitol Hill. Members of
the Seattle Police Department Chief's Sexual Minorities Community Advisory Council and the Seattle Sexual Minorities
Commission marched with Police Chief Norm Stampers. Members of the Seattle Fire Department and other City
employees followed.
The day started out with the threat of rain. My concerns soon
disappeared as we gathered and assembled. The sky cleared, the temperature rose, and by the time we were headed
down Broadway it was downright hot.
At the beginning of the parade there were a number of represenatives from the "religious right" protesting and heckling
those of us in the procession. I have never been able to understand how those who proport to be the followers of the
message of love, peace and understanding try to convert others to these ideals through the use of hate, violence and
ignorance.
the Seattle Police Department Chief's Sexual Minorities Community Advisory Council and the Seattle Sexual Minorities
Commission marched with Police Chief Norm Stampers. Members of the Seattle Fire Department and other City
employees followed.
The day started out with the threat of rain. My concerns soon
disappeared as we gathered and assembled. The sky cleared, the temperature rose, and by the time we were headed
down Broadway it was downright hot.
At the beginning of the parade there were a number of represenatives from the "religious right" protesting and heckling
those of us in the procession. I have never been able to understand how those who proport to be the followers of the
message of love, peace and understanding try to convert others to these ideals through the use of hate, violence and
ignorance.
| Seattle Police Chief Norm Stampers with Linda A. Simpson |
| Seattle Police Chief's Sexual Minorities Advisory Council: Chief Norm Stampers, Suzanne, Judy, and Linda A. Simpson |
As the procession moved along Broadway another warming trend burst upon the scene. The size of the crowd
increased, rainbows were everywhere, and even the sun came out from hiding from the usual gray Seattle sky. The
cheering, support and size of the crowd along the parade route was an impressive sight when viewed from within the
parade itself. Cheering people everywhere, from the sidewalks to every window of every building, to the roof tops
themselves. At those moments I found pride, that so many people could come together for GLBT unity and support.
There was a feeling in the air of love for one another, hope for the future, with respect for the group and individual
differences that make up our community as well as the community at large.
increased, rainbows were everywhere, and even the sun came out from hiding from the usual gray Seattle sky. The
cheering, support and size of the crowd along the parade route was an impressive sight when viewed from within the
parade itself. Cheering people everywhere, from the sidewalks to every window of every building, to the roof tops
themselves. At those moments I found pride, that so many people could come together for GLBT unity and support.
There was a feeling in the air of love for one another, hope for the future, with respect for the group and individual
differences that make up our community as well as the community at large.
| BLUEBOY: Some friends caught me by surprise and gave a colorful appearance. The camera did not fully capture his deep blue hue. |
| Misc. Photographs from the Day: |
The parade hosted a wide range of expression,
from individuals marching to elaborate floats.
There were statements to be made and
outrageouness to be had. Some were serious
and some just for the fun of it!
Being part of the parade I was limited as to the
photographs I could capture on film using only
a pocket camera on a thong around my writst.
By lining up I missed the first 76 entries in the
procession. During the parade I caught a few
photo's of the crowd and events around us.
Upon completing the march I was able to
photograph the entries that followed.
from individuals marching to elaborate floats.
There were statements to be made and
outrageouness to be had. Some were serious
and some just for the fun of it!
Being part of the parade I was limited as to the
photographs I could capture on film using only
a pocket camera on a thong around my writst.
By lining up I missed the first 76 entries in the
procession. During the parade I caught a few
photo's of the crowd and events around us.
Upon completing the march I was able to
photograph the entries that followed.
| Linda and Jeri Simpson take a "hug break" during the parade |
| "Proud to be a Sex Worker" had a number of people on and about their float that I wasn't able to fully capture on film. |
| Not only were the streets along broadway crowded but so were the balconies, windows, and roof after roof of buildings that we passed. |
| Friends of mine watching the parade and activities along Pike Street. |
| and activities of all kinds that lasted well into the night. Estimates were there were over 100,000 in attendance at the parade and in the park. |
