A Straight-and-Slightly-Bent View: Allentown’s Pride in the Park 2009

By M. DAVID SNYDER
Special to Lehigh Valley Source

Allentown, Pa.--Why am I calling this a “straight-and-slightly-bent view”? I peaked out of the closet of bi-sexuality in my early 20s but have yet to actually fulfill a romance that would make me no more than the full-fledged ally of the LGBT community that I remain to this day.

Having been no stranger to Pride in the Park since its inception 15 years ago, it seemed only natural to accept the opportunity to exhibit a few paintings as an established local artist in the Lehigh Valley for the past 19 years.

“Straight and slightly bent” is my own label by design to suit me.

Here’s a timeline of my experience at the event, which was held from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Cedar Beach, Allentown, Pa.

8 a.m.: I arrive to set up my work for exhibit. It is brought to my attention that the volunteers watching the front gate would gladly take my art for me. I would rather deal with whoever is curator of the show. I am directed to the big, white tent to my left. No one is in the tent.

8:20 a.m.: A gentlemen arrives, and I begin to tell him about my art. He indicates that he’s merely in charge of volunteers. He leaves a clipboard, and I plop down on the grass.

9:15 a.m.: I continue to sit, wondering why I was e-mailed to arrive at 8 a.m. if there is no one to help with set up. Eventually, a tall, muscular, transgendered individual arrives and