40 Years of Pride – Part 12

The parade associated with the 1992 Pride Celebration was billed as the only Pride Parade in the country to span two states.  Granted, it started on a state line and was only about a mile-and-a-half, but still.  Gathering in Westwood, Kansas, near 48th and State Line, the parade marched north to 47th and then east through the Country Club Plaza, ending at Southmoreland Park.

1992 Pride Parade route

1992 Pride Parade route

 

 

 

 

 

 

1992 Pride logo

1992 Pride logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GALA entry in the Parade

GALA entry in the Parade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pride Week events

Pride Week events

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1992 Pride Guide

1992 Pride Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protests greeted parade marchers, primarily from members and supporters of FIRED-UP, the local anti-gay organization founded by local right-wing Christians.  In addition, a lawsuit was filed against the mayor of Westwood for proclaiming Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, and his response was to subsequently issue a tongue-in-cheek proclamation announcing “Heterosexual and Moral Living Month”.  This anti-gay sentiment was in part responsible for record crowds at both the Parade and the Picnic that year.