Mission Statement:	Delaware Pride is dedicated to promoting platforms for expressing diversity and creating a more visible and united LGBT community.
Vision Statement:	Delaware Pride sponsors and promotes cultural, social, educational, and recreational events.

 

Executive Board

 

President	Eric Morrison
Treasurer	Vinny Pizzo
Secretary	Brian Potter

 

Board Members

 

Briggs, Chris

Edmund, Gene

Hiott, Don

Scott McLaughlin

Morrison, Eric

Newman, Steve

Pizzo, Vinny

Potter, Brian

Zeltt, Andrew

 

Delaware Pride History (How we were started.)

 

Delaware Pride was formed from a conversation shared by four friends - all transplants to Delaware.  Three from Missouri, and one from Pennsylvania - each sat around one night discussing the need for a more visible and cohesive LGBT community in Delaware.  One suggested - perhaps only half serious - that the four begin 'Delaware Pride' and organize a Pride Festival in the city of Wilmington.  The four decided to give it a go.   The four individuals were Michael Klataske, Brian McNally, Tim Nevius, and Rodney Pratt.  The organization was officially formed on April 29, 1997.  Initial meetings were held at the Franciscan Center in Wilmington, and advertisements were ran free of charge in Q Public - Wilmington's queer oriented press.  Through initial monthly meetings -  a core group of individuals joined forces to make the dream materialize. In the first year, funds were raised at various events - an annual Semi Formal and silent auction, fund raising dinner / shows featuring local female impersonators, group bowling events, as well as donations from other individuals looking to support the new organization.   The group decided to host the event in October, and avoid any competition from regional Pride's such as NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore and DC.  Delaware Pride did participate in area festivals - including a float in the 1997 Philadelphia Pride Parade, in which they were awarded Best Visiting Float.  The group also staffed beer tents at festivals in Philadelphia and NYC to raise funds.   It was decided the Festival would be held in Rodney Square, due to the central and visible location.  The first festival was blessed with beautiful weather.  Vendors lined the sidewalks, performers graced the landing beside Caesar Rodney, and a huge arch of rainbow color balloons marked a visible presence of the LGBT community.  The response was overwhelmingly positive, leaving the group ready to present the 2nd Annual Delaware Pride Festival.   Contributors to the event ranged from those who met monthly to organize the festival, to local establishments who posted ads / signs, individual donations, and volunteers who worked at fund raisers and the festival that itself.   It was an overwhelming feeling to have been a part of the festival, and to have stood at the steps of Caesar Rodney and deliver a welcome speech to my community.  Countless hours went into planning the event - but well worth it as you viewed the crowd,  and felt the appreciation given by there mere presence and support.   Through the organization I met more people than I could have dreamed possible - a simple bonus in my acclimation to a new life in Delaware.  To this day, several people linger in my heart and thoughts, and my time there will always be remembered as some of the best times.  My advice - if you are not happy with how things are, work to create a positive change.  In doing so you help more than just yourself.   Good luck on the 10th year, I am proud to see the tradition continues!  Thank you, Michael Klataske