Lebanon city hosts largest Pride yet with increased security, community support

Sunday’s Lebanon Pride celebration, one of the most well-attended of its kind yet, took place with the support of local businesses, organizations, and nonprofits.

The event, co-chair of the planning committee Steve Doster said, had over 30 vendors, the most of any Pride event in the city thus far. Co-chair Ali Perrotto said around half of these vendors represented churches, nonprofits, or community organizations.

Doster said that in-kind donations from local businesses and organizations and support from the City of Lebanon allowed organizers to focus on security and planning.

“We were very purposeful in ensuring a safe environment for everyone this year,” said Doster.

Unlike previous years, a booth along the intersection of South 8th and Cumberland streets greeted guests and provided them with wristbands. Security and Lebanon city police officers were interspersed through the event to monitor for conflict, including a presence around an alley where protesters projected a sermon.

Mayor Sherry Capello, who read a poem at the beginning of the event emphasizing the importance of acceptance, said she felt it was important to create a peaceful environment for Pride.

“We want to make sure that people do respect each other,” she said of the police presence Sunday. “This is about love and acceptance, and people should respect and honor that. We can agree to disagree on what people believe in or the kind of life they want to lead, but this city is meant for everyone. I’m here to represent all the residents, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or beliefs.”

While last year’s Pride planning only began around six weeks before the event, this event’s planning began in November, Perrotto said. The additional planning time allowed for a bigger event.

Throughout the event, posters and signage (provided by the organizers of the Schuylkill Pride Fest) explaining the history of Pride going back to the Stonewall Riots in 1969, which were precipitated by a police raid on the Stonewall Inn.

“There’s a lot of opportunities to learn about where all of this is rooted,” said Perrotto. “I think it’s incredibly important to center the history and some of the lived experiences that led to Pride.”

“The important thing about all of this is, progress is fragile,” said Doster, referencing the trans military service members recently prohibited from continued service. “We are seeing an attempt to push the LGBTQ community back into the margins. And we are here to say, we value our family, friends, and neighbors who are LGBTQ.”

Churches including St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, of which Doster is chief warden, and Palmyra’s Unity Church were set up in support of festivities.

“It’s important for us to be out in the community because we are an affirming congregation, and we want people to know that we’re a safe community to come to, and that we’re here,” said Karin Ast of Unity Church.

The Lebanon County Suicide Prevention Task Force brought together local performers and artists to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

Jojo Romanoff, stage name Phantom Fire Jojo, said that when he moved to Lebanon in the ’90s, he experienced discrimination and bullying. The LGBTQ community experiences heightened rates of depression and suicidality, often connected to lack of community or familial support.

“It’s wonderful to get together and celebrate Pride and honor solidarity, but we also need to honor those who came before us, especially those who paid the ultimate price,” he said.

Participant Erin Carmany said the vigil was “where activism meets art, and it’s here to share a message with people through our art.”

Julia Wecker of SARCC explained that the organization provides free support for survivors of sexual assault, and that it sets up at Pride to connect with people who may need help.

“People within the LGBTQ community are statistically more likely to experience things like sexual violence, so we have a role in showing up for our LGBTQ community,” said Wecker.

Free Mom Hugs had a tent dedicated to providing community to people who may have had family members distance themselves due to their gender identity or sexuality. Bonnie of Free Mom Hugs said she has kids who are part of the LGBTQ community and she wants to support them and others in the community.

Caitlin of Free Mom Hugs said that “hugs are really important for survival. It’s important to know that you can reach out and care for your community, no matter what.”