Power, Passion, and Purpose

 

Once a year in Charleston WV, Charlie Rouse and his board put together an event for all to see. It was a week of celebration, entertainment and a sense of pride for all who went out to partake in the events. It's now a time honored tradition and piece of WV history and is without a doubt all about POWER, PASSION, and PURPOSE.

 

During the week, many were crowned:

 

Ms Pride of WV

 

Mr Pride of WV

 

Ms "L" Pride of WV

 

Also the other contestants who competed over the week for the three categories listed above were at Sunday's gay pride parade including our own:

 

Ms West Virginia Queer News, Patricia Knight

 

Ms West Virginia Queer News New Face, Tearah Deserae

 

 

 

and two other of our other representatives were there too:

 

Mr West Virginia Queer News Leather, Staci London

 

Mr West Virginia Queer News Bear, Zack Steed

 

 

While I didn't get to attend the earlier events, that were said to be a good time. I was able to make the parade and had a wonderful time. I got to see old friends and make a lot of new ones too. The only thing to my disappointment was the 6 protesters who were on hand shouting, "Shame on you, Homosexuality is a sin."

 

The only thing I can say is "SHAME ON HATE."

"The Face of Hate"

 

There were even some young teens passing by on skate boards who spoke up to them. They said "Why do you care, What business is it of yours?" It was nice to see the youth, even straight speaking out in our behalf.

 

We proceeded toward the end of the march and there I got to meet many of the newly crowned title holders. I also got to spend some time with the founders of the West Virginia Bears, Rob and Daniel. It was a delight to meet these two wonderful gents. Here are some of the title holders I mentioned and met:

 

Mr West Virginia Bear, Chip Tompson

 

Mr Mountain State Bear, Charlie Rouse

 

Mr Mountain State Knight, Aaron

 

 

After that we made our way through the vendors area, where you could find anything GAY! It was inspiring to see so many people supporting one another, in the community. Passers by chatting and just getting to know one another. It was my first gay pride celebration and I enjoyed it!

 

They had a show an hour later at the pavilion, many were on hand to perform:

 

"The Incomparable" Martina Deserae

 

"The Fabulous" Michelle St James

 

"The Legend" Viki Williams

 

"The One and Only" Priscilla Divine

 

and two ladies who I believe to be the up and coming divas in the state:

 

Ms West Virginia Queer News New Face Tearah Deserae

 

and Ms Jazmine Karmichael

 

Other notables were:

 

XTC

 

 

and

 

Ms Pride of WV Akasha La Pre Karmichael

 

Im just sorry to see that our leading lady wasn't able to participate in the after show. There were just too many entertainers already!

 

All in all, on this Sunday in the capital city and at the Broadway, I felt a sense of unity and pride. I truly felt inspired by the people who support these events, their love, passion, and drive for socialization and the right to be accepted was infectious and it warmed my heart.

 

To the pride committee, I applaude you for the hard work and thank you for such a wonderful event.

To see the pride video, click here...