This Just in from the Ocean State
Pro-LGBTQ bills
In July, Governor Daniel McKee signed two important pieces of legislation, both pro-LGBTQ bills, and he did so at Youth Pride’s drop-in center.
The Gender Inclusive Restroom Act (H5741) requires all single-stall restrooms in public buildings and places of public accommodations to be gender neutral. Not only does this help LGBTQ Rhode Islanders, it also benefits families, those with disabilities, and those with opposite sex caregivers. Rep. John Edwards, who sponsored the act with Sen. Melissa Murray, called it “an important step for the state to take in providing for the inclusion of all its residents.”
The RI Fair Housing Practice Act (H6215) updates the definition of sexual orientation with regard to fair housing practices, and eliminates the exemption that allowed discrimination based on gender identity or expression in owner-occupied buildings of three units or less.
Iconic mural
A massive 1,700-square-foot outdoor mural recently completed by internationally renowned artist Brian Kenny to honor LGBTQ community leaders is turning heads in Upper South Providence. The image stands tall on the wall of Open Door Health, Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ health care center, which literally opened its doors just before the pandemic.
The mural has a personal meaning for the Brooklyn-based artist, as Kenny told the Boston Globe: “I’m a patient of an LGBT health clinic in New York myself. I understand the value of getting medical attention suited to queer people, who understand who you are, and can help you without bias.”
Many of the faces depicted in the mural are those of prominent LGBTQ Rhode Islanders.
The Avenue Concept, a privately funded public art program, commissioned Kenny to create the mural.
First Woonsocket Pride
The first-ever Woonsocket Pride celebration was held on June 28, at World War II Memorial Park.
The organizers’ road to a festive Pride day was not without drama. Early in June, the rainbow flag was unfurled in the prominent position over Market Square, but some city council members found it disrespectful to veterans whose POW/MIA flag was removed for Pride month to make way for the Pride flag, which was then moved to a less prominent location.
In a moving display of defiance, and to show unity with the veterans, 114 American flags appeared at the site to represent the 114,000 soldiers who were dishonorably discharged after coming out as LGBTQ.
The city’s first Pride, which included a march, was sponsored by Rebuild Woonsocket, Silence is Violence: 401, the Not 1 More Campaign and other LGBTQIA+ groups.
Rodney David resurfaces
After many years away, the once ubiquitous Rodney Davis has returned to head RI Pride, according to an early June press release.
The years since he left have often been fraught with problems, with charges of racism and sexual harassment being leveled against the organization. Many felt they were not represented, and even more objected to the lack of transparency on the part of the Pride organization.
The publishing of the press release did little to change minds already tired of their behind-the-scenes nature. It did, however, hint at some lofty goals, with Davis quoted as saying “While we, unfortunately, must announce the postponement of our annual PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade, we are currently looking to move our celebration later in the year. This will allow us the time to adequately organize and celebrate 20 years of New England’s only Illuminated Night Parade.”
