Gay pride comes to Hollister California

June 26, 8:46 AMMonterey Gay and Lesbian Relationships ExaminerTricia Jaussaud

An annual western parade in Hollister Thursday welcomed a float from the city's gay community.

Members of Salinas Valley Equality and Marriage equality said it was the first time they had been included in the San Benito County's Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Parade.

The colorful float on bales of hay carried advocates for same-sex marriage, calling it a historic moment for Hollister.

“It is an amazing thing we are doing here. I can’t believe it is finally coming together, our goal is to bring some recognition of the LGBT community here in Hollister and we have gotten some very positive reactions so far,” said Ana White, organizer for Marriage Equality USA and California Faith for equality

"Hollister isn't as conservative as we once thought. It's amazing to be a local citizen." Said Gregory Rivera, another Hollister resident.

The float's inclusion comes during what's recognized as Gay Pride Month and precedes this weekend's major pride parade in San Francisco.

Hundreds of spectators lined the streets to watch the parade. The rainbow flag bedecked float drew cheers and some jeers but they were minor and rather civilized. It seemed the controversy or confrontations that was expected by some same-sex marriage supporters never developed.

An unexpected bonus was the singing of Over The Rainbow, by Isabelle de Anda, a local Hollister actor and singer.

For the last decade, Ms de Anda has been performing in local musical theater productions.

Accompanied by music from a sub par sound system, de Anda’s voice floated clearly above the noise from the crowd. Her rendition of the Judy Garland standard was moving and poignant. Ms. de Anda’s performance was an delicious treat.

Long recognized by the LGBT community as an icon the song holds special meaning, the song was the inspiration of the rainbow flag.

The Stonewall riots of 1969, were triggered when the police raided the Stonewall Bar in New York, the day of Judy Garland’s funeral. The Stonewall demonstration, hardly a riot, was the beginning of the gay rights movement.

From 1969 through today the struggles of the LGBT community for equality continues. Today the quiet protest in Hollister is a perfect example of the battle now being waged not by throwing rocks and bottles but with peaceful demonstrations, parades, and signs.

The Saddle Horse Parade is the kick off for the San Benito rodeo a three day long event that takes place in Hollister.

Lisa Vallejo, a long time resident of Hollister and a cowgirl, took time out of her roping and riding to ride the float in the parade. “we just think it’s time for us to let the people of Hollister to see us as regular people.” Vallejo said, “We are just like every one else, just gay.”

Lisa and her partner will spend the rest of the weekend at the rodeo, riding and roping. Taking part in a long established tradition in Hollister, the western way of life. The same as every one else, just gay.

Lisa Vallejo, Cowgirl