Megan Norris, President, LC Pride |
Editor-in-Chief
The Contraband recently sat down with Megan Norris, President of Lake Charles Pride, a local LGBT organization and organizer of the Lake Charles Pride Festival, now in its seventh year.
The Contraband: First, tell us a little bit about yourself:
Where are you from, how long have you lived in LC, and how did you get involved with LC Pride?
Megan Norris: I'm originally from Port Neches, TX, but I have lived in Lake Charles for over 15 years. This is my home now, and Lake Charles Pride strives to make this city a more inclusive environment for all of its residents.
I got involved seven years ago when I went to an open press conference in support of a local gay couple who had been discriminated against. Only eight people attended the press conference, but I knew in my heart that there were hundreds, if not thousands of people who would have supported this couple if they knew their story. I was inspired to create a stronger and more visible LGBT community in this area.
C: How is the festival coming along?
MN: Pretty awesome, L'Auberge Casino Resort is the Presenting Sponsor. The festival is free and open to the public; donations are appreciated to help support the organization.
C: What can attendees expect at the festival?
MN: There's going to be all kinds of awesome stuff like area bands, theaters, roller derby teams, vendors, informational booths, food and drinks for sale. Plus it's an awesome time of year to enjoy an outside day at the beach. The festival is family friendly, and Crystals is hosting an after-party Saturday night for 21 and over. On Sunday there will be a brunch at Stellar Beans Coffee Shop.
C: Vendors come from all over the state to attend LC Pride Festival: can you give us a sneak peak at who will be there, and what will be available?
MN: Yes, we have both vendors and non-profit organization that will be represented at the festival: Equality Louisiana, Paulita Chartier Photography, Rainbow Expressions, Dragonfly Jewelry, A Cut Above Pet Spa, and more.
C: How difficult is it to create and run an annual LGBT festival, year after year?
MN: It's very exciting and a little stressful, but it always pays off on the day of the festival. It takes a group of volunteers; I could never do it alone. However, I would like to turn over the presidency and leadership of this organization to someone who has the drive to advance the organization.
C: This is the seventh year of the festival itself. Has the LGBT community in Lake Charles embraced the festival?
MN: Absolutely! The mission of the Lake Charles Pride Organization is to make the LGBT community in this area feel accepted and appreciated, as well as to educate the community at large on LGBT issues. I think the LGBT community jumped on board from the beginning, but what's even more amazing is how much support our local Straight community and Allies have provided over the years.
C: How has LC Pride and the LC Pride Festival made a difference in the lives of LGBT folks in Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish?
MN: Let me say that the yearly Festival is a celebration of the LGBT culture. However, it's the little things that let us (the board members) know that we are making a difference and that our mission is still a legitimate cause that needs passionate people pursuing it. For example, receiving an email of appreciation from a scared teen who only mustered up the courage to come out to his parents after seeing us on the local news. Another example, is the watching the gears turn in young adults when we hold panel discussions on LGBT current and historical issues in college classroom environments.
C: What does the festival mean to you, personally?
MN: Personally it means I was able to give something positive to the Lake Charles area that didn't previously exist.
C: What's in the festival's future?
MN: I would hope that the Festival continues to grow with the support and leadership of the new generation of LGBT citizens and Allies.
One of the strongest ways to advance equality in this area is to show the public that a large LGBT community and a strong support system of allies, friends, and family exist in this area. Every single individuals attendance at the festival on Sat. Oct. 3rd helps the mission of being visible and equal. So please everyone in the Lake Charles area who is interested in celebrating and supporting the local LGBT community please join us at L’Auberge Casino Resort from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Touloulou’s Outback beach area on Oct. 3rd.
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