Dear Editor:

“What? I didn’t hear the bikes!!” “Are you kidding? The Dykes aren’t starting the parade?” “What do you mean the Dykes on Bikes are fourth this year?!” “The parade doesn’t start unless the Dykes start it out!” “But...It’s tradition!” “Why?!”

Imagine all of our shock to learn that the parade had started … without the Dykes on Bikes in the lead. The above was the gist of the comments from the crowd around me at this year’s parade. Something was different and we didn’t know what it was. All we knew is that we saw something coming but it sure as hell wasn’t the Dykes or their Bikes.

And then we saw it. The sign simply said “Marchers for those who can’t”. The walkers each carried a sign telling a story of someone who is no longer with us physically. It was very somber. Very touching. Enough to bring tears to some of the eyes of those around me.

And here come the Dykes on Bikes. Loud, obnoxious, horns honking, Dykes hooting, engines revving … just how we love ‘em! Woo-hoo! I heard more then a few people say “Phew! There they are! Now the parade has actually begun!”

While I think everyone can appreciate the message that Ron de Harte, Executive Director of San Diego Pride, was trying to make, I don’t think he went about it the right way (assuming the information handed out today was correct). Was taking tradition away from the Parade worth it? Did he get his message across through every one’s ramblings of “Where are the Dykes?” Was trying to force the Dykes on Bikes further down the line worth having very few paying attention to what his message was? Did anyone actually get to see all of the signs or were they too busy, like myself and those around me, trying to figure out where they actual start of the parade was?

I believe that that is a message well worth marching for. Too many people in our community suffer because of jerks and assholes who think we’re different, vile, repulsive or evil just because of who we love. There was absolutely a message there. However, I believe it would have made a stronger impact if Mr de Harte had let the Dykes on Bikes go first.

Dykes on Bikes is the attention grabber. They bring people out of the shops and back to their seats. They are the official signal in every city that Pride has arrived. The attention would have been there, the crowd would have been wide eyed and eager to read the signs. If only Mr de Harte hadn’t pushed his authority and forced the Dykes on Bikes to ride further down the line.

In light of how little attention was paid to the “Marchers for those who can’t”, I hope Mr de Harte has learned that you must first get people’s attention, then show your message.

Cristin Peacock

Dear Editor:

This years’ parade was the worst “flowing” I have ever seen. The biggest disappointment was not hearing the roar and thunder of the dykes on bikes starting up the parade. Instead, we saw quiet marchers with signs, followed by quiet flagholders, followed by a quiet car holding the International Grand Marshal and then the motorcycles. Why? According to Ron deHarte, Executive Director of Pride committee, it was to make a somber point. Well Ron, it was somber alright. So somber in fact that most of the people I sat around had no clue the parade was even starting. It was boring. Finally the bikes came out and at last the crowd was excited. This is the whole point of the parade. The bikes of course, caught up with the marchers in about three blocks and were forced to shut down the engines or risk overheating while waiting for the marchers to get way ahead. This process was repeated four times along the parade route. How silly was it that the ladies got off their bikes and visited with each other or they made use of their spare time by handing out flyers to the crowd (about why and how to complain)?

It was a huge mistake and one that in my opinion, disrupted the entire parade. The somber point of the Marchers For Those Who Can’t could have just as well been made after the bikes.

It has taken 20 years to go from 5 bikes to 100+ in our city. We are second only to San Francisco in numbers. I urge everyone who agrees to complain to the San Diego Pride organization so this NEVER happens again!

Emily Beitler

To whom it may concern,

A little about me. My name is Sue. I’m the mom of my gay son. Sadly, my son passed away at age 22, three years ago. I’m a straight (middle aged) woman. Also, you can say I’m a friend of the gay, lesbian, bi, and trans-gender community. I have gay relatives, friends, and neighbors.

I took my boyfriend to the gay pride parade for the first time this year (2008). I was very disappointed that the parade didn’t start with the infamous roar and thunder of Dykes On Bikes. The girls are the main reason I go to the parade, and they are the thing that many of us leave talking about. Dykes On Bikes are an iconic force that call all who hear, to stand up and pay attention. I thought this was the essence of PRIDE week.

Please permit the girls to start – off the San Diego Pride Parade next year and forever more. Let the Lesbian Lead.

Sue Alexander

Dear Editor:

Along with dozens of other angry Pride visitors, I was horrified at the atrocious sound system and lack of any logistical organization at the Kathy Griffin concert on the Sunday night of Pride.

Unless one was in the front third of the audience, Ms. Griffin could not be heard. The sound system given for her show was one that a high school AV squad would have found laughable. She was completely inaudible for most of her performance.

To add insult to injury, the only thing that WAS audible for those on the southern side of the venue was the dance floor next door. To leave that music on – and at that insane volume – and make Ms. Griffin compete with that is simply insulting, both to her and her audience.

In the past, the Sunday night concerts have been music performers, and they provide their own volume. In this case, however, I don’t think anyone thought this through, because if they had, someone would have closed the dance floor when Ms. Griffin came on, AND special consideration would have been made to ensure that more than just a few lucky fans got to hear her.

Kathy, your gays DO love you, and I have spent a very long time waiting for your show. I am very upset that you were treated in such a matter – you deserve the laughter and applause from ALL of your fans! And you had an audience ready, willing, and able, to return the love that you have always shown our community. Unfortunately, you were let down.

If San Diego Pride wishes to have the big name performers - and the requisite large crowds paying to attend - they are going to have to do better than they did in this last round.

You let both our community AND Ms. Griffin down.

Scott E. Grant