In a surprising but welcome change of course -- after it locked out Bradley Manning supporters and press at a meeting last month, and its statement that it would not hold any more public meetings until after Pride because its decision to rescind the grand marshalship from Manning was "final" -- the SF Pride board has scheduled a public meeting for May 31, 6:30pm, at the Metropolitan Community Church.
And yet the letter to "community members" couldn't resist a couple of digs:
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***"The SF Pride Board recognizes and regrets the recent error in the announcement of Mr. Bradley Manning as the Electoral College’s Community Grand Marshal" (perhaps it will offer some proof at the meeting that this was, indeed, an error -- and more openly address the fact that a beloved staffer was fired over this?)
***Its condescending tone and implication that Manning supporters are violent: "We continue to be open to peaceful and constructive conversation with set ground rules but will not condone violence in any form moving forward."
Still, with this board, the meeting is at least something.
Dear Community Members:
For the past four decades, SF Pride has stood firmly to advance its mission to educate the world about LGBT issues, commemorate LGBT heritage, celebrate LGBT culture, and liberate LGBT people.
Thank you for your patience regarding the rescheduling of our community meeting to discuss the recent Electoral College voting. The integrity of the elections process and procedures are very important to SF Pride and the community at large. The SF Pride Board recognizes and regrets the recent error in the announcement of Mr. Bradley Manning as the Electoral College’s Community Grand Marshal. As promised, in the spirit of fairness and transparency, we are calling for an open forum where we can hear the full range of the community's concerns.
With this in mind, we have secured the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco sanctuary for Friday, May 31st starting at 6:30 p.m., which is located at 150 Eureka Street between 18th & 19th Streets in the Castro District. We encourage all concerned to participate in this public forum that will be facilitated by Scott Shafer, host of KQED’s California Report. We continue to be open to peaceful and constructive conversation with set ground rules but will not condone violence in any form moving forward. To ensure that community members have the opportunity to speak along with securing the safety of all attendees, we will have security on the premises.
Please also note that MCC encourages attendees to be respectful of their space --and their neighbors-- and to take their water bottles, coffee cups, etc with them when leaving. The event cannot go past 9:30 p.m.
