Tolerance is the star of Freedom Parade

Just reading the title of this article can leave little doubt as to its positive portrayal of homosexual sodomy.  The Dallas Morning News and the newspapers of our land have become the purveyors of sin.  They paint it in the prettiest of colors to cover-up its hideous and deadly design.  They make it appear as if everyone is having a good time.

Those that bring the truth to bear, however, are always portrayed as mean-spirited shouters, screaming at the top of their hate-filled lungs, harassing epithets at those who are just trying to have a little fun.  If the world did this to Jesus should we not expect it to do the same to us?

 Let the joy of the Lord be your strength!

  ~ Flip

Tolerance is the star of Freedom Parade

Oak Lawn: Amid downpours, annual event marches on

12:00 AM CDT on Monday, September 18, 2006

By LAUREN D'AVOLIO / The Dallas Morning News

Thousands of marchers and parade goers decried prejudice and lauded tolerance Sunday afternoon.

The atmosphere of Dallas' 23rd Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade on Cedar Springs Road in Oak Lawn was celebratory and party-minded, but tame enough for numerous tykes propped on adults' shoulders.

Brenda Smith, 45, and Kati Shantz, 43, are lesbian partners from Garland and toted their two daughters to the parade. Eight-year-old Hannah and 5-year-old Corinne rode Northaven United Methodist Church of North Dallas' entry, one of 97 in the gay pride parade.

"Whether you go to church or not, it's most important to understand that God made us to be who we are," Ms. Shantz said.

Some floats almost floated away during intermittent downpours, but the showers didn't seem to harm spirit or turnout. Police wouldn't speculate on how many people attended the parade.

Bedecked in hot pants embroidered with "Cute 'n' Sassy," ruffled denim purse and grizzled facial hair, one curvaceous drag queen awaited his cue.

Hoelotta Roadkill, also known as 32-year-old Roy Scott of Dallas, climbed aboard the Texas Gay Rodeo Association's float.

"We're proud of who we are and what we are," the flamboyant Ms. Roadkill said. "We're showing the city of Dallas we're still going to be here, no matter what they do."

Dallas' parade commemorates the anniversary of the 1970s court ruling that reversed Texas' anti-sodomy law.

Heidi and James Wesley of North Dallas wanted to support the rights of their gay friends and fellow Dallasites.

"It's honestly a more fun atmosphere than some of the straight scenes, which is kind of funny," Mr. Wesley said.

Lily Baker said Sunday should have been a government-sanctioned holiday – at least in Dallas.

"This is my gay day, baby," Ms. Baker said. "We should get the day off for this."

About 50 protesters led by the Rev. John Reyes, director of Operation Save America, Dallas, also made an appearance.

"These people, if they just repent, they can be set free from their lifestyle," Mr. Reyes said.

Police Lt. Bob Owens said officers kept parade participants and protesters separated.

E-mail ldavolio@dallasnews.com