Pride sentiment stronger than ever this year
May 14, 2023
Davis festival is June 4 in Central Park
By Wendy Weitzel
Members of the Davis Phoenix Coalition work to eliminate hate. That’s been a heavy lift this year, as organized groups have threatened trans youths, protested drag shows and boosted white supremacy. And that was all before the community was terrorized by what police say was a serial stabber who killed two and injured one in a six-day period this spring.
So the nonprofit’s team is more determined than ever to bring a positive message to their biggest event of the year: the Davis Pride Festival. It’s all part of a weekend of activities in downtown Davis that celebrate June as International LGBTQ+ Month. After three years of COVID and the trauma of the stabbings, they want to offer positive ways for the community to come together for healing and joy – and to celebrate diversity.
Davis Pride is an all-inclusive celebration for members and supporters of the LGBTQ community. The community-focused, family-friendly weekend includes a skate night, fun run, music festival, drag queens, vendors and more – June 3 and 4. Proceeds from Davis Pride events support the coalition’s anti-racism and anti-bullying campaigns, support to LGBTQ+ youths and their families, and outreach with area police departments, churches and schools.
DPC organized a vigil to honor the first stabbing victim, David Breaux. Hundreds turned out on April 30 to pay tribute to Breaux, 50, known as the “Compassion Guy” for his study of compassion. It turned out to be a dedication to two people, as a second victim, 20-year-old UC Davis student Karim Abou Najm, was killed two days later.
The group stood firm against anti-trans protests in Davis schools, advocating for affirmation and support of trans and gender-expansive children. It noted a suicide rate of about a third more among children who lack such support.
The coalition showed up to defend drag queen events, including one at a Woodland bar in July that was disrupted by protesters who made derogatory comments about the LGBTQ community.
“Pride is our time to be positive in a world full of negativity,” said Davis Pride Director Sandré Henriquez Nelson.
Although police are convinced they have the stabber in custody, there will be plenty of security. Organizers are assuring participants that Central Park will be a safe space to gather. “We have been working with law enforcement agencies, community groups and a security team for several months to ensure the safety of Davis Pride,” Henriquez Nelson said. “In light of the recent crimes, we plan to add even more security. We look forward to coming together as a community.”
The events, produced by the Davis Phoenix Coalition, follow the theme “I am Davis Pride.” This year, Davis Pride’s presenting sponsor is BluPeak Credit Union.
Here’s what to look forward to for Davis Pride 2023:
- Those in Davis will notice the rainbow crosswalks around Davis’ Central Park, painted early on the morning of Sunday, May 28. It sets the celebratory tone for the upcoming events, which include:
- Skate with Pride, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 3. The free night will include a disc jockey, disco lights and food trucks. Skating will be under the Davis Farmers Market Pavilion in Central Park, Fourth and C streets, downtown. Bring your skates for family fun.
- Run for Equality at 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 4. It includes a 5K and 1K run/walk from Central Park. Registration is $25 until May 28 and $30 after.
- Davis Pride Festival kicks off after the run, with a community fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in Central Park. The fair portion includes educational booths, food, drink, and vendors coordinated with the assistance of Davis Craft and Vintage Market. There are even special activity zones for youths, teens and seniors.
The highlight of Sunday’s festival is the entertainment from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Headlining is 1980s tribute band Tainted Love, performing from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Second billing goes to the drag revue that starts at noon, hosted by Mercury Rising and featuring Nayasha Lopez, along with Shay D, Xena CyberGoth and Tilly Creams. The event will explain the importance and history of drag in the LGBTQ community, and will pay tribute to a drag icon. Other performers include Cheer Sacramento at 11:50 a.m., the Sacramento Women’s Chorus at 1 p.m. and Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus at 1:30 p.m.
- Later in the month, on Friday, June 23, there’s a Ride with Pride bike party excursion, with participants meeting at Central Park at 6 p.m. and leaving about 30 minutes later.
- Businesses are hosting local pride events, to raise money for and promote Davis Pride. To host an event at a business or to learn more, visit https://www.davispride.org/host. The Avid Reader bookstore will host a drag queen story hour at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 4. Several other businesses have events in the works, including Red 88 Noodle Bar, and Davis Cards and Games.
Davis businesses are encouraged to display a free “I support Davis Pride” rainbow flag poster in their windows. To request one, email [email protected].
Davis Pride events are coordinated by an all-volunteer community formed by the Davis Phoenix Coalition, a nonprofit that works to foster diversity, eliminate intolerance, prevent hate-motivated violence, and support LGBTQ+ youths in Davis and surrounding communities. The coalition was founded in the aftermath of a 2013 anti-gay attack on Davis resident “Mikey” Partida. Proceeds from Davis Pride events support the coalition’s anti-racism and anti-bullying campaigns, support to LGBTQ+ youths and their families, and outreach with area police departments, churches and schools. To donate, go to https://davisphoenixco.org/donate.
For more information about the event, visit https://www.davispride.org/. To learn details as they unfold, follow Davis Pride on Facebook and Instagram.
The Pride festival sounds great, though it's totally unrelated to the stabbings.
In any case, the following Bill Maher monologue is probably one of the most insightful (and amusing) I've ever seen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMBzfUj5zsg&t=1s
Posted by: Ron O | May 14, 2023 at 12:59 PM
I only lasted 3 minutes into the monologue, and I am amazed I lasted that long.
The recent stabbings cast a pall over everything in Davis right now, including, unfortunately, gatherings that are meant to be joyous and positive.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | May 14, 2023 at 01:25 PM
Roberta: To each "they" own, I guess.
But I'd hardly call Bill Maher a conservative radical.
Truth be told, I already don't remember the stabbings, until someone reminds me that I should be traumatized. The reason being that stuff like that happens every day, somewhere.
Though I'd probably remember when seeing the bench that the "compassion guy" was responsible for.
Posted by: Ron O | May 14, 2023 at 01:43 PM
I think the expression you want is "to each their own."
I didn't say Bill Maher was a conservative radical. I didn't say he was anything. I said I could only make it through 3 minutes of his monologue before I had to shut it off.
It's one thing to have something happen somewhere. It's another thing to know that there has been one... then two... then three... stabbings in your town. One of them (Sycamore Park) happened fairly close to where I live, at a park I have been to many times. It was a genuine, not an imaginary threat. I believe that he was only caught as soon as he was because the perpetrator returned to the scene of the crime wearing the same clothes and was identified by citizens, one of whom risked his own life to make sure the police picked up the suspect. If you don't see that as a traumatizing situation, then I am not sure what to say to you, but I think it's fair to say that most Davisites feel traumatized (and sad, and a bunch of other emotions mixed in as well).
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | May 14, 2023 at 01:52 PM
I know what the expression originally was. :-)
I guess if you live that close to the site (or were involved in the suspect's capture), you'd think about it more.
I doubt that people in Mace Ranch, Wildhorse, Lake Alhambra, or much of Southeast Davis are thinking about it that much.
Perhaps they would be, if the guy wasn't (apparently) caught. But my guess is that most people just go on with their lives, and don't think about it every day.
I think the death of Natalie Corona was a bigger deal. (And was "made into" a bigger deal, as well.)
I really don't think that (most) people are thinking about it that much. Just a guess, and can't be determined via anecdotal accounts.
But for sure, it has absolutely nothing to do with the Pride event. Other than the fact that folks will be out-and-about in public (including at one of the sites, and the location of the bench).
But I'd have to say - if you (or anyone) can't stomach the Bill Maher monologue, your mind is already closed-off.
"Just my humble opinion", as an occasional commenter on here sometimes says.
Posted by: Ron O | May 14, 2023 at 02:08 PM
Of course, your mind is completely open about Bill Maher, who is completely above any criticism or reproach and who is an authority on any topic he chooses to weigh in on.
And I think you are completely mistaken about how Davisites feel in the wake of the stabbings. David B was beloved by many. That alone shook us up. Then a promising young undergrad who was only days away from graduation was killed. Then a third person was stabbed, only surviving because of the actions of her fellow citizens.
People were upset about Natalie Corona, but this was more personal, with the threat going on for a week, people woken up in the middle of the night to scary text messages, etc.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | May 14, 2023 at 02:20 PM
"Of course, your mind is completely open about Bill Maher, who is completely above any criticism or reproach and who is an authority on any topic he chooses to weigh in on."
Not something I said. But yeah, I do think my mind is quite open regarding this "controversy" in particular. I don't have any firm response, but I also don't object to anything Bill Maher said. Do you?
And I think you are completely mistaken about how Davisites feel in the wake of the stabbings. David B was beloved by many. That alone shook us up. Then a promising young undergrad who was only days away from graduation was killed. Then a third person was stabbed, only surviving because of the actions of her fellow citizens.
I'm familiar with the facts.
Could be, regarding that conclusion. Could also be that you're surrounded by those who feel that way, more than those in the outlying areas I mentioned.
Truth be told, I'm not convinced that someone like David B was actually "helped" by anyone - including those who "beloved" him. Then again, maybe he didn't ask for or need help.
For that matter, I'm sure that the student who was killed was also "beloved" by those who knew him. Including his parents.
People were upset about Natalie Corona, but this was more personal, with the threat going on for a week, people woken up in the middle of the night to scary text messages, etc.
I think you're misjudging the response regarding Natalie Corona, but yeah - DURING the period that the guy wasn't apparently caught, it was indeed a big deal. I wouldn't go walking around in a local park at night during that time, but I would NOW.
I'm sure that there were plenty of people (including Natalie's parents, other relatives, friends, and the entire police force) who were "personally" impacted by her death.
But on a broader level - when the police themselves are killed, it's generally viewed as an attack on the last line of authority (something like that). In any case, it was MADE into a very big deal, indeed.
Whenever a police officer is killed, there's all kinds of "official" presence and memorials, afterward. Including road closures by police, etc. (They never do that for anyone else, which I find rather questionable - as I ultimately don't view a police officer's life as more "important" than anyone else's). Including (for example) a guy who "gave his life" for any other job.
But again, I suspect that the vast majority of the 60,000 people in Davis had no direct connection to anyone involved with any of these killings.
I have no doubt that the Pride festival will continue incorporating the incidents, but again - nothing to do with the festival, itself.
Posted by: Ron | May 14, 2023 at 02:42 PM
"as organized groups have threatened trans youths"
What organized groups threatened trans youths in Davis? A serious question.
Posted by: Keith | May 14, 2023 at 02:59 PM
"Davis Phoenix Coalition, a nonprofit that works to foster diversity, eliminate intolerance"
Like the intolerance shown by one of the Phoenix Coalition members when a group was trying to show a video?
Posted by: Keith | May 14, 2023 at 03:12 PM
I am one of several parents in Davis who have spoken out against the Davis Phoenix Coalition's "Davis Queer Teen Group."
The Davis Phoenix Coalition Chair Gloria Partida, who is also a city councilmember, is telling parents they we should turn a blind eye and not enquire too closely into what happens in these private Queer Teen Group meetings where adults (we don't know who) is meeting with our children to talk about sex and gender.
Kids as young as 12 years old are encouraged to be on a private Group Chat, or Dischord, and are told to keep secrets from parents. Kids are given special attention, and free stuff like drag-makeup-kits, manicure sets, etc. Guest speakers from Davis CommuniCare and Elevate Queer Yolo happily provide kids with free chest binders, "tucking kits," and gender-affirming clothing.
This is the exact opposite of what responsible parents should do. This undermines safeguarding which requires parents to examine the intentions of unrelated adults discussing sex and gender with our kids.
I was raised Catholic, my brothers served as altar boys, and it's still shocking to me after what happened with the Catholic church's child abuse scandal, that we would allow any organization to have secret access to our children without parental consent.
I also question why the City of Davis would grant the Phoenix Coalition $6,000 in "Arts and Affairs Funds" to support their drag show entertainment at this year's Pride Festival?
As a liberal feminist and lifelong Democrat, I find drag offensive. As a mother of two kids, I strongly object to minor children being exposed to drag shows. Drag is a form of adult entertainment based on men dressing as a caricature of women with overly-sexualized outfits and garish make-up. Parents that want to expose their kids to this type of adult entertainment should do it at a private venue, and without the support of public funds.
I am not transphobic. My goal is to protect vulnerable children who feel distress and dysphoria about their gender and adolescence. I have spoken to reporters with the New York Times, Reuters, and most recently The Economist about the social transitioning of children and the massive medical scandal unfolding before us. Meanwhile, progressive countries throughout Europe, including France, Sweden, Finland, and the UK, are turning back on youth gender treatments, i.e., puberty blockers, wrong sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries. I am happy to share articles with anyone interested.
Posted by: Beth Bourne | May 14, 2023 at 05:37 PM
Beth, you make some pretty specific and serious accusations about what Gloria and others have said:
1. You accuse Gloria Partida of "telling parents they [sic] we should turn a blind eye and not enquire too closely into what happens in these private Queer Teen Group meetings where adults (we don't know who) is meeting with our children to talk about sex and gender."
2. You also state: "Kids as young as 12 years old are encouraged to be on a private Group Chat, or Dischord, and are told to keep secrets from parents.
I have bolded the words that I see as central to your accusations. Can you provide evidence for these claims about what people have said?
As I have said to you over email, my intent is to stay out of these debates since I am not a parent. However, since you have brought these accusations to a blog that I co-run, I feel obligated to ask you to substantiate what you have said. So I am not engaging, only asking.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | May 14, 2023 at 07:00 PM
Hi Roberta,
Thanks for the questions and giving me a chance to provide some evidence for my claims. I have numerous emails from Gloria Partida about the Davis Phoenix Coalition's interactions with minors, including on the Davis High School Campus, but it was this email that stands out for me. In the email she states that kids should be able to receive information about sex and mental health from Davis Phoenix Coalition because they are over 12 years old. This is untrue. CA state and federal laws regarding the rights of minors and parental consent are only valid when it's a Registered Healthcare Provider. Davis Queer Teen group is a secret social club where adults tell children to keep secrets from their parents.
see this email from Ms. Partida, March 10, 2023:
On Friday, March 10, 2023 at 01:01:11 PM PST, Gloria Partida wrote:
Hello Tracy,
There is a lot to unpack here. Some of it is presented in a less then accurate way. In particular the statement that no trans people were dying of suicide previously is mind blowingly miss-stated. Queer people in general are dying less of suicide now that there is more acceptance and open conversation about identity exploration. I am happy to discuss in person if you have a list of particular concerns. It should be noted that any young person above the age of 12 is allowed to receive information about sexuality, reproductive health, mental health and drug alcohol treatment without parents consent.
Gloria Partida
(she/her)
Councilmember District 4
City of Davis
23 Russell Blvd
530 304 0548
-------
Here is a link to the Davis Phoenix Coalitions Queer Teen Group's recent invitation for their Drag Workshop for Teens on March 12. https://www.instagram.com/2013dpc/
You can see on the social media account and RSVP form that kids are given an option to communicate in secret with the adult leaders using text, email or Dischord. The meeting locations of the Queer Teen Group meetings are only given once the adult leaders confirm it's a minor using Facetime or similar.
Special group presenters at the Davis Queer Teen group include Kenna Cook with CommuniCare and Elevate Queer Yolo. Please visit their Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/elevatequeeryolo/
Kids 12 and over can use this form to get FREE gender affirming binder, tucking kits, gender shopping sprees, etc. All of it is CONFIDENTIAL and can be picked up or delivered to "discreet" locations:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSMvJuiMYE7miA47HFpFxy7OECd0jI68ydL6DiYS--_sG6Vw/viewform
again, I appreciate your questions.
Posted by: Beth Bourne | May 14, 2023 at 08:24 PM
Beth, I appreciate your responses. However, none of that shows Gloria Partida saying anything about "turn a blind eye and not enquire too closely" and nothing about anyone being encouraged to be on a private group chat or told to keep secrets. So from my perspective your original accusations are still undemonstrated, and I see you have doubled down and said, "Davis Queer Teen group is a secret social club where adults tell children to keep secrets from their parents".
I don't know about the legal situation and I will leave others to sort that out.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | May 14, 2023 at 08:43 PM
In case this isn't clear, giving students an option is not the same as encouraging them or telling them what to do. Not by a long shot.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | May 14, 2023 at 08:44 PM
Hi Roberta,
Please watch Davis Phoenix Coalition's Anoosh Jojorian's public testimony at the March 2, 2023 DJUSD school board hearing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpYP5fgg0lP/
You will hear Jorjorian state that the Davis Queer Teen Group is supporting the gender transitioning of kids as young as elementary school age "with or without their parent's approval."
Posted by: Beth Bourne | May 14, 2023 at 08:54 PM
Supporting is still not the same as encouraging or telling.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | May 14, 2023 at 09:10 PM
I hesitate to wade in on this, but I think the specific accusations Roberta asks about need to be supported or retracted. I looked through the links sent and I did not see anything urging minors to keep secrets from their parents encouraging minors to use a private group chat or being asked to keep secrets for their parents. looking through the posts I didn't even see a place were students are given an option to correspond anonymously.
Posted by: Colin Walsh | May 14, 2023 at 09:20 PM
Hi Colin,
Here is a little more information about how Davis Queer Teen Club interacts with kids:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vc-apd7a2VhFEHnO8Mun8c7A5sV5NXEj/view
You may have also seen this article by LibsofTikTok, Chaya Raichik, a conservative Jewish woman who reports on children being confused by gender ideology.
This article about Davis High School is based on my DJUSD Public Records Request response:
https://www.libsoftiktok.com/p/revealed-california-school-district?r=nvp2b&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Posted by: Beth Bourne | May 15, 2023 at 07:27 AM
Beth, if you have info that students have been "encouraged" or "told" to keep secrets from their parents, then please provide it here. So far you have not substantiated those accusations.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | May 15, 2023 at 08:46 AM
Hi Beth,
I have looked through your links and they do not support your allegation that kids are being asked or encouraged to keep secrets from their parents. They do not even provide secret communication as an option. One document even says "a parent/guardian will be provided with the name of the clinician seen by the student."
Further your accusation that, "Gloria Partida, who is also a city councilmember, is telling parents they we should turn a blind eye and not enquire too closely." is very specific and you have failed to provide any support for it.
I imagine the things you are posting seem very salacious to your sensibilities, but they do not support your very serious allegations.
Considering the extensive public records requests you have done I know you probably have quite a few school district documents. If you had ANYTHING, that supported your accusation of encouraged secrecy you would have already posted it.
Posted by: Colin Walsh | May 15, 2023 at 09:11 AM
"organized groups have . . . boosted white supremacy"
Light fuse. Get away.
Posted by: Alan C Miller | May 15, 2023 at 09:48 AM
"organized groups have . . . boosted white supremacy"
"Light fuse. Get away."
Exactly Alan, notice that I never got a reply.
Posted by: Keith | May 15, 2023 at 01:09 PM
"Get Away."
Or, depending upon how you look at it, a "dog whistle" to attend and "fight" them.
Even if there's no one there to fight.
Posted by: Ron O | May 15, 2023 at 01:36 PM
It is a very sad day when Drag shows are considered family friendly events.
Groups like "Gays Against Groomers" and "Drag Queens Against Drag for Children" are being silenced. They have an opinion that is different on the matter and
they are called hate groups. Just because they don't agree doesn't mean it is hateful. Since when did sexually explicit dancing by male adults in front of children become a joyous, loving event?
Posted by: Gary Lagerstrom | June 01, 2023 at 01:45 PM
What is the basis for your claim that the drag shows will be sexually explicit? Some drag shows are, but many are not. The organizers have said that this will be family friendly and I see no reason to disbelieve them. The mere fact that it is a drag show doesn't make it sexually explicit, any more than the movies Mrs. Doubtfire and Tootsie were sexually explicit, to mention two of many many shows that featured men wearing women's clothes that were widely accepted and not controversial.
The groomer accusation is particularly offense and without basis.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | June 01, 2023 at 02:02 PM
"The mere fact that it is a drag show doesn't make it sexually explicit, any more than the movies Mrs. Doubtfire and Tootsie were sexually explicit,"
Really? You're comparing Mrs. Doubtfire to drag shows? I think your analogy here is lacking big time.
Posted by: Keith | June 01, 2023 at 03:50 PM
I don’t think it is lacking. There are some statutes being written across the country that are so broad that they would apply to any man wearing a woman’s clothing or vice versa. And I don’t think that anyone not involved in the planning knows what is planned for the Pride event, so it is all just speculation. It doesn’t have to be like Mrs. Doubtfire, but it could certainly be quite family friendly.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | June 01, 2023 at 05:21 PM
Mrs. Doubtfire was a wholesome character and family movie. I don't think very many people see drag queen shows as being wholesome.
Posted by: Keith | June 01, 2023 at 06:05 PM
With respect to people who don't see drag shows as wholesome, I wonder how many drag shows those people have actually seen and in what contexts. There is a difference between one aimed at adults and one aimed at a general audience. This one is aimed at a general audience.
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | June 01, 2023 at 06:52 PM
Drag queen shows are just as wholesome as Miss USA swimsuit competitions. 👍
The pageant was owned by Donald Trump from 1996 to 2015 and was previously broadcast on NBC. In September 2015, WME/IMG purchased the pageant from Trump.[2] In 2020, for the first time, the FYI network broadcast the competition. In October 2022, JKN Global Group acquired the pageant from WME/IMG.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_USA#:~:text=The%20pageant%20was%20owned%20by,the%20pageant%20from%20WME%2FIMG.
Posted by: Walter Shwe | June 01, 2023 at 07:36 PM
If drag queen shows are banned in public libraries, the Bible should also be banned.
"Incest, onanism, bestiality, prostitution, genital mutilation, fellatio, dildos, rape, and even infanticide,” the parent wrote in their request, listing topics they found concerning in the religious text. “You’ll no doubt find that the Bible, under Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-1227, has ‘no serious values for minors’ because it’s pornographic by our new definition.”
The code cited is the Utah law passed in 2022 to ban any books containing “pornographic or indecent” content from Utah schools, both in libraries and in the classroom.
https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2023/06/01/bible-is-banned-these-utah/#:~:text=After%20a%20parent%20challenged%20the,leaving%20it%20in%20high%20schools.&text=%7C%20June%201%2C%202023%2C%204%3A53%20p.m.
Posted by: Walter Shwe | June 02, 2023 at 05:23 AM
"If drag queen shows are banned in public libraries, the Bible should also be banned."
So it started with comparing drag queen shows to Mrs. Doubtfire and now its evolved to comparing them to the Bible?
Posted by: Keith | June 02, 2023 at 08:01 AM
Keith Olson compared drag queen shows to Mrs. Doubtfire, not me. Bibles are in most public libraries.
Posted by: Walter Shwe | June 02, 2023 at 08:29 AM
"Keith Olson compared drag queen shows to Mrs. Doubtfire, not me. "
Wrong again Shwe, read all the comments above. It was not I that did that comparison.
Posted by: Keith | June 02, 2023 at 08:44 AM
Folks might be interested in this recent court ruling.
"Trump-appointed federal judge rules Tennessee’s anti-drag show law is ‘unconstitutional’"
“As a matter of text alone, the (Adult Entertainment Act) is a content, and viewpoint-based restriction on speech. The AEA was passed for the impermissible purpose of chilling constitutionally-protected speech,” US District Court Judge Thomas Parker, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, said in a 70-page late-Friday ruling.
https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/03/politics/tennessee-drag-ban-law-unconstitutional/index.html
Posted by: Roberta L. Millstein | June 05, 2023 at 08:49 AM