Gay pride comes to Hollister California

June 20, 10:12 AMMonterey Gay and Lesbian Relationships ExaminerTricia Jaussaud

This is part one of a two part series.

The small town of Hollister, located about 100 miles southeast of San Francisco and 40 or so miles east of the Monterey Bay. Boasting 53,000 residents, most are employed in the agriculture industry either ranchers or farmers.

Hollister also has a long and colorful motorcycle history, but that is for another article.

Although the economy has hit Hollister hard, the city is bright and shiny and looks as though the residents have just scrubbed it. All is as it should be in Hollister at first glance, but there is a movement here, quietly gaining ground and threatening to upset the status quo.

Hollister residents vote mostly democratic, the last GOP candidate the people voted for here was George H. Bush, but proposition 8 passed here with a 54% majority.In response to that vote, a quiet business owner from Hollister named Gregory Rivera, 35, and his best friend Ana White, 30, have been getting the attention Hollister residents.

Gregory and Ana decided the time had come for Hollister to come out of the closet and recognize it’s LGBT community.
Working with Loving Witness and other church groups, Gregory and Ana set out to organize the first San Benito Chapter of Marriage Equality USA.
www.marriageequality.org is a national organization dedicated to bringing marriage equality to all. By joining with this and other national group Gregory obtained the credibility he needed to push his plan into action.

The pair has brought attention to the LGBT community and to the residents of Hollister in some rather unexpected places.
Starting small, with rallies and fundraisers to gaining a float in the upcoming Hollister Horse Parade.This event is in its 32nd year and is a huge part of the town’s western traditions.
On June 25, 2009, the parade will feature horse and riders from around the county, marching bands and lots of floats. One in particular will be festooned with rainbow flags and more than its share of parade queens.

Members of Salinas Valley Equality, Salinas Valley Pride, PFLAG and others have promised to show their support by marching alongside the float.
Gregory and Ana promise a rousing time and along with the float the regular parade contingency will a fun spectacle to watch.

So grab your folding chairs and your sun screen and head out Holister on June 25, 2009, for a great parade.

Where:  Hollister CA
Time:    Parade starts at 6PM but if you are going to walk with the float plan to arrive early.
Contact: ca-sanbenito@marriageequality.org

Questions? Comments? Need more information E-mail me a Jaussaud@comcast.net