Bios
The following are biographies for members running for the Board of Directors.
Jeff Crist: (vice president)
Jeff is the Health Action Manager and Special Events Coordinator for Covenant House and currently serves as Vice President of Rainbow Pride of West Virginia. For the last year, Jeff has been the chairman of our Community Outreach and Membership Development subcommittees. He also coordinated our first annual Pride volleyball tournament, which attracted eight teams and is sure to grow bigger and better in coming years.
Jeff is an outspoken advocate on issues that face the LGBT community. He manages a tobacco cessation program geared toward members of the LGBT community and an HIV prevention program for young gay and bisexual men in Charleston and Beckley.
Through his role at Covenant House, Jeff has been able to steer significant financial resources to Rainbow Pride and other LGBT-friendly organizations in an effort to reach out and promote initiatives that have a direct impact on the health and well-being of our community.
Jamie Seabolt: (vice president)
I would like to introduce myself, Jamie Seabolt, nominee for Vice President of the Rainbow Pride of West Virginia. Beginning my journey just 15 miles up the road in Sissonville, I have accomplished many rewarding efforts, all before turning 30. I began my first gay newspaper that served West Virginia back in 2002 and led to an entire chain of publications. This work for our community rewarded me as one of Gay.com’s Entrepreneur’s of the Year in 2004. Just one month later, I was publicly sued by the City of Pittsburgh for putting a gay publication on their streets. With the help of the ACLU, we rebuttaled, and made a huge leap in gay rights. This allowed us to expand my publication and guarantee that all publications had a rightful home in all public locations. Similar situations have occurred recently, as I have publicly been fighting to allow openly gay establishments prominent locations in Downtown Charleston. My fights over the years such as these have awarded me the honor of the national Mr.Gay.com Community Leader in both 2008 and again in 2009. As you can tell, PRIDE to me is many different things. Importantly however, it’s about fighting the right fight. It’s about being respectful even when slandered; being there with facts and statistics, not assumptions or hearsay. It’s my right to be gay my way, not their stereotype. It’s about not being afraid to be seen in mainstream media or risk getting your name thrown in mud; because sometimes you must put the individual, yourself, on the line for the greater good of our gay community. As Vice President, I will work closely with Rodney Harvey to keep the organization on budget, continually fund raise so that we can add more programs, and continue to outreach year round for new memberships as well as getting the message of pride across in both a professional and educated manner.
Christopher Kimes (treasurer)
Christopher Kimes began his social activism and grassroots organizing as a Bonner Scholar at WV Wesleyan and serving as an AmeriCorps member. It was this passion for helping others that prompted Christopher to work with various LGBT and Aids related organizations in the Morgantown and Parkersburg area. Last year, Christopher had the extreme privilege serving
as President of Rainbow Pride of WV. During this tenure, Rainbow Pride began a rigorous outreach campaign throughout West Virginia and bolstered record attendance numbers for many of its social/educational events. Professionally, Mr. Kimes holds a masters degree in higher education administration and counseling and is pursuing his doctorate in education. He serves as Field Site Director for the HSTA program, which helps minority and disadvantaged youths to graduate high school and attend college. In that position, Christopher is responsible for overseeing a federally funded grant that promotes health and wellness in our community through youth participation. Christopher humbly seeks your vote for Treasurer of Rainbow Pride of WV.
R.L. Bowles aka Bianca Baker: (at-large)
Please allow me to introduce myself I am R.L. Bowles AKA Bianca Baker. I am a 29 year old gemini & lifelong resident of West Virginia. I graduated high school in 1999 then obtained an Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting shortly after. I’m currently taking a break from college. Although I am pursuing a Psychology degree. I’m currently employed by B.R.M. Services it’s a medical management facility in southern WV. When I’m not working on cast at The Phoenix in Teays Valley, I travel throughout the state, as well as most of the east coast doing shows.
Since I’ve always supported Pride some friends & I thought it was time for me to take my support a step further to get more involved with the organization. Given the chance I would be honored to serve as one of the Members At Large. I personally want to see our festivities grow, so we can have more Pride themed events throughout the state instead of just the Charleston & Huntington area.
Many have fought the battles for the rights we currently have, let’s continue the legacy to stand up for our right to be accepted & recognized by all. With your vote I hope to bring growth & prosperity to this organization. Thank you for your time.
Dan O’Neal: (secretary)
My name is Dan O’Neal and it has been my priveledge to serve as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Rainbow Pride for the past year. Over the course of the last twelve months, our organization has made great strides both financially and in terms of community outreach. We currently have more members than ever before and we’ve been developing relationships with community leaders and gay business owners in Huntington, Parkersburg and Morgantown. Our facebook community has grown to over 1700 friends. Attendance at our major events, including the festival, the fall picnic, and the pageant, met or exceeded past records and our newer events, such as the Rainbow Social and the Big Gay Dog Show turned out to be very popular, too. We’re also proud to have developed close working relationships with organizations such as West Virginia Queer News and the Charleston – Huntington chapter of PFLAG, the Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays.
On a personal note, I was also humbled this past year to have been selected as Mr. Mountain State Grizzly at the Mountain State Bear contest during Pride Week. My late partner, Greg Ulbrich, was Mr. Mountain State Bear in 2000 and I entered the contest as a way to honor his memory, never expecting I’d leave with a medal and a sash! The Rainbow Pride community has become like a second family to me, and their support and friendship through the deaths of both my partner and my mother have meant more to me than I can put into words. I’ve never worked with such a selfless and giving group of people before, and I look forward to continuing my association with the organization is years to come.
David Epp (at-large)
Involved at many levels of community activism, David has been involved with Rainbow Pride for four years; he also is a member of the Board of Directors for Fairness West Virginia, the state’s largest LGBT advocacy group.
Focusing on technology, he prepared the 2009 & 2010 Pride Guides, as well as maintained the Pride web site. He feels strongly about the role that technology can play in increasing support for this organization. particularly by improving communication with members and supporters through Twitter, Myspace, and Facebook.
Carl Nipps (at-large)
My name is Carl Nipps aka Iona Trailer and I am a candidate for Member at Large. I am from Dunbar and I am an RN at CAMC. In the past I worked at 2 different gay bars as a bartender and as Iona Trailer, I have performed at most of them. I have also performed at many Pride benefits including a recent one for Parkersburg Pride. I have been out
for 25 years and have watched the gay community in West Virginia go through a major evolution. I have tried to be a part of that and help in any way I could. I feel my experiences and contacts in the gay and straight communities would make me an asset to the Pride commitee as Member at Large. If you have any specific questions for me before casting your ballot, please feel free to email me at cnippsjr@hotmail.com. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Herbie Vinson (at large)
My name is Herbie Vinson and I running form Board Member at Large for the WV Rainbow Pride Committee. I am originally from Delbarton, WV and currently reside in Cross Lanes, WV. I moved to the Charleston area 9 years ago with my partner. I am also the reigning Mr. Parkersburg Pride, WV Mountain State Daddy Bear and 1st runner up to Mountain State Leather. I am the Vice President of WV Mountain State Bears and also a member of Rainbow Pride and The Livings Aids Memorial. I am active in the community and willing to help out were needed. I currently have my own business called H.E.T Productions. My business is something I do out of my home. I make floral arrangements for almost all occasions and design costumes such as back pieces and head dresses.
I would truly appreciate your vote for Board Member at Large. I would work with the Pride Committee to make Rainbow Pride the organization that it should be. I think that Rainbow Pride should involve the whole state and not just a select area. As you can tell I am already involved in several organizations and trying to merge all aspects of the LGBT community together. I would also like to work with the Lesbian community as well. It seems as though they are pushed aside. They are just as much a part of the gay community as the men. Imagine how much better and bigger Pride could be if we had the support from the lesbian community. I would also work with the Pride committee in trying to get more businesses in involved and support Gay Pride.
In closing I would like to ask for your vote for Board Member at Large. I will work hard and diligently to represent everyone in the LGBT community. I feel I have a lot to offer and would make a great asset to WV Rainbow Pride. Thank You , Herbie Vinson
Pam Young: (at-large)
Hello my name is Pam Young I currently reside in South Charleston with my partner of 21 years Cheryl Smith and our seventeen year old daughter, Britnee. We also have four other grown children and eight grandchildren. I am an in-home health provider and have served as a member of Pride of West Virginia for many years in the back ground.
My passion at this time is the Lord and the church, which I am currently the President of the B.O.D. Reaching out to the LGBTQ community that for so long has been told we can’t be in church and serve the Lord because of our sexuality. I also received the Honor of Woman of the Week in June from W.V. Queer News.
So at this time I have chosen to run in the election for At Large position. My reasons would be to support my friends and community, reach those who don’t know of Pride of West Virginia and the wonderful things that Pride stands for. My goal will be to have some events added to the calendar that will bring out the women, children and families in the community.
Thank you for your support and vote at this time. May God’s blessing fall upon you.
Power of One Award Dinner
Each year, Rainbow Pride of West Virginia recognizes an individual who has proven invaluable to the LGBT community in West Virginia. Join us for dinner and a keynote speech delivered by this year’s recipient of the award.
Saturday June 5th, 6:00pm
Admission – -
$15 includes dinner
(please let us know if you require vegetarian option)
Purchase Tickets
Buy Online here
Miss & Mister Pride of WV 2010
Miss & Mister Pride of West Virginia 201o, West Virginia’s Premiere LGBT Pageant, will take place in Charleston at the Clay Center on May 28th, 2010 at 7:00pm.
Join us for our second year at the Clay Center, West Virginia’s renowned Arts & Sciences Center in historic downtown Charleston.
Tickets for this event will sell out!
There are two options for seating at this event:
TICKETS WILL BE WAITING AT DOOR. WILL NOT BE MAILED.
1. Table of Four (close to stage) – $100/table SOLD OUT!!!
2. Gallery Seating (general admission) – $15/ticket at Door (cash only please)
2010 Pageant Schedule
2010 Contestant Packet
2010 Sample Contestant Contract
For details, please contact one of our Pageant Directors
- Martina Dezarea at martinad_4u@yahoo.com
- Mila Rich at jeremye113@yahoo.com
- Steven Tompa at steventompa@yahoo.com
The following contestants will compete on May 28th at the Clay Center in Charleston, WV for Miss and Mister Pride of West Virginia!
Miss Pride of West Virginia 2010 Contestants
Dimitria
I am Dimitria from Oakland, Maryland. I am Miss Vice Versa Pride 2010. I live right along the Potomac River less than one-half mile from the border of West Virginia. Until I was 4 years old, my family raised me in Bayard, West Virginia. My family owned the Mountaineer Inn, and my mother was a former contestant for Miss West Virginia. Following in her footsteps, she entered me in the baby contests at the Bayard Firemen’s Carnival each year. I see my mother as an inspiration in my creation of Dimitria. As a female illusionist, I strive every day to be just like my mother. She is a loving person, strong, gentle, and proud. My entire life, she has been my biggest support. Being able to compete for Miss West Virginia Pride is one of the best ways I see to honor my mother. Because of her, I have learned that the greatest gift of all is love. Pride to me, is the ability for all people to show love.
Donita Monroe
I am Donita Monroe from Charleston, West Virginia. I have been appointed Miss Broadway Pride 2010. I would like to say thank you for considering me for Miss Pride of West Virginia 2010. I find it a real honor to compete with some of the most talented entertainers from across the state and region. I first stepped into the stage lights at the Grand Palace in 1995, became Miss New Face World in 1996, and competed in the very first Miss Pride of West Virginia pageant in 1998. It has been a dream of mine to be Miss Pride of West Virginia for a very long time. Over the years, I have served our community with numerous other titles. I was Miss Red Ribbon 2005 and helped raise money for the Living AIDS Memorial Garden. The mission of this organization is to establish and maintain a garden in memory of those who have died of AIDS and provide a place of reflection. I started with raising money for the Endowment Fund, sold imprinted bricks, and recruited new members. I want to be Miss Pride of West Virginia 2010 so I can put a spotlight on PRIDE. I want to be a spokesperson that helps raise money and recruits more into our Pride family. I will be visible in the community and focus on important issues. I feel I have the knowledge and qualifications to do the BEST. I look forward to the pageant on May 28, 2010 at the Clay Center. I hope to see everyone from all over the state there showing their PRIDE. Thank you for your support.
Ivy Profen
I am Ivy Profen from Charleston. I am Miss Union Square Pride 2010. I want to be Miss Pride of West Virginia to have the opportunity to advance my commitment to the LGBT community and to allow myself to volunteer with organizations throughout the state of West Virginia helping our community advance with awareness of AIDS/HIV Prevention. I would also use the title to affect positive change within our community. I could bring a positive uniqueness to the pride community; that would be “PHAT” which means Professionalism, Honesty, Administration, and Talent. I am more than willing and eager to invest my time and commitment to the pride origination. I’m a firm believer that no matter what your goal is, you can always achieve it. Now I ask myself do I want to be Miss Pride of West Virginia enough to commit and work for it? That answer is simple. It’s YES.
Morgan Le Fay
I am Morgan Le Fay, your current reigning Miss West Virginia Queer News Pride 2010. To go forward sometimes you have to go back. Back In 1998, I ran for the title of Miss Pride of West Virginia. I was young and had no idea what I was doing. I hid behind the costumes and makeup because I was frightened. I had no clue what pride was. Over time, I have learned pride comes from within and you have to have pride in yourself before you can begin to have pride in anything else. Over the years, I have graced the stage of many clubs and met many performers that I idolize to this day. I learned that every one of us are different and bring something unique to the stage. I have performed in benefit shows of all kinds for many reasons; from someone’s house burning down, to a battered woman’s shelter, and learned that sometimes you have to put other people’s needs before your own. I am running for Miss Pride of West Virginia once more, and I am not doing this just for me. I want to spread the word that we all need to take pride in ourselves, our state, and come together as one big family and help each other in times of need. As well as have laws passed to protect our rights to be who we want to be and who we are as individuals. I would like to think that I have done my part in giving PRIDE back to West Virginia by doing bigger and better things and getting our communities involved and moving forward and making West Virginia a better place to live.
Pricilla Divine
I am Pricilla Divine. I am Miss Jackhammer Pride 2010. When most people think of pride they think of the gay community, rainbow flags, triangles, etc… Those are great, and it’s a wonderful thing to be proud of your community. However, to me, pride is much more. Pride is being true to yourself and to those around you, not only in portraying yourself for who you truly; but also to believe in yourself and never letting anyone make you feel bad for being yourself. Pride is also respecting those around you. Pride is appreciating, respecting and helping everyone be proud in themselves and others. It doesn’t matter what sexuality you are, what race, what nationality… Pride is being true to yourself, and feeling good about who you are and what you can or may accomplish. Pride may have started in the media as the colors of the rainbow, but it’s so much more than that. I’m proud to be Jerry Canterbury, I’m proud to be Miss Priscilla Divine, but most of all…. I’m proud to be me. These are the reasons I want to be Miss Pride of West Virginia 2010.
Robin Hearts
I am Robin Hearts from Morgantown, West Virginia. I am Miss Vice Versa Pride 2010 Runner-Up. I want to be Miss Pride West Virginia because as a transgendered female, I know what pride is. I live it every day. I learned from the path I was gifted to walk being born into the wrong gender that you have to wake up every morning, love yourself, not be ashamed of who you are, and carry your head held high. I make it my goal in life to treat others as I would like to be treated, and educate anyone and everyone with a willingness to learn. We are all one community, whether gay, straight, bi, transgendered, whoever, or whatever and I would make sure to carry that message not only onstage and when representing the West Virginia Pride Committee and the state, but throughout my daily life. Pride is every second of every day.
Samara Brookes
I am Samara Brookes, Miss Union Square Pride 2010 1st Alternate. I would like to thank everyone that is involved in making this year’s pageant possible and to all of the community who has came out to support the contestants. I would also like to thank Union Square for believing in me enough to represent them this year. I will do my best not to let you down. I am 34 and was born and raised in Charleston. I began female impersonation on July 1, 1999 at the Broadway in Charleston which led to becoming a regular performer at Trax Nightclub. While embracing our community and growing as an entertainer, I have been honored & crowned as Miss West Virginia Sweetheart ‘06, Miss West Virginia Independence ‘07, and Miss Trax Pride ‘08. Through other appearances at such WV gay clubs including The Grand Palace and Woodstarr in Parkersburg, I have been able to further stay engaged in our gay community. I am very honest, professional, proper, and respectful. I feel I would represent the community with the grace and dignity that we ALL deserve while maintaining the grace of a lady while the gown is on. It comes as no shock that it would be a highlight of my career and sincerely an honor to be crowned Miss West Virginia Pride 2010. In closing I would like to wish all of the contestants the best of luck this year and warm wishes to the real reason why we are all involved – PRIDE.
Tearah Dezarea
I am Tearah Dezarea from Charleston, West Virginia. I am Miss West Virginia Queer News Pride Runner Up. Throughout my life, I have continuously kept Pride in my life and heart. I began as a female illusionist at Traxx and proceeded to entertain in the Charleston and Huntington areas. I was fortunate enough to be crowned your Miss West Virginia Queer News New Face last year and competed in the Miss Pride of West Virginia pageant as Miss Polo Club Pride. Over the years, I have been involved with event planning for the Pride committee and continually feel a deep commitment to our community. If selected your next Miss Pride of West Virginia, I would continue to help make this organization great and show everyone throughout the state the importance of being out and Proud. I feel that my personality, sense of community, and love of this great state make me an excellent candidate for Miss Pride of West Virginia. I personally want to thank everyone who has helped and supported me throughout the years, without you I could not be where I am today. I hope that everyone shall come out and support myself and the other great contestants throughout the state. Thank you for your support, and I hope everyone enjoys this year’s Pride pageant and festival.
Mister Pride of West Virginia Contestants
Adam Rhodes
I am Adam Rhodes from Huntington, West Virginia. I am Mr. Jackhammer Pride 2010. For the past fourteen years, the prestigious positions of Miss & Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2010 have been attained by exemplary constituents who exude the most imperative qualities the community strives to achieve and display: compassion, sincerity, and servitude. I, Adam C. Rhodes, will maintain this tradition with dynamism and charity if elected Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2010. Prior to this competition, I have worked with such notable organizations as the Fund for the Public Interest, the Community Voters Project, Environment Ohio, and the Human Rights Campaign. I have also volunteered for MoveOn.org as well as for the presidential campaign of Barack Obama, the current president who opposes and is seeking to repeal the prejudicial and discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. As a graduate student currently attending Marshall University, I wholly appreciate and comprehend the importance of diligence, determination, and the unrelenting desire to enhance oneself as well as one’s environment. The progression of the gay community and society en masse evidently presents itself as a fundamental motivation in my daily life and decisions. As Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2010, I will continue to return to the gay community and its supporters the encouragement and love which I have received and endeavor to exhibit this exceptionally beautiful cycle to the society at large.
Daron Del Ray
I am Tim Albee from Ceredo, West Virginia. I have been appointed Mister Ron Wilson Hair Gallery Pride 2010. I perform as Daron Del Ray. Daron is my middle name (pronounced like the gay dad on the television show Bewitched). Del Ray is in honor of my dear, passed friend Delisha Del Ray. I am proud to be a 39 year old gay man. I am honored to be born and raised in West Virginia. I want to be Mr. Pride of West Virginia because I want to unite the LGBT community throughout the state. Although many areas are together, others seem disconnected. I want to all communities to feel like they are apart of the West Virginia LGBT family. If I were selected Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2010, I would show that the LGBT community in West Virginia may not be as large as in other states, but we are just as strong. I want to make our Pride Festival one of the most recognized but attended in the area of the country
Jamie Seabolt
To all of you who have come here to support Pride, I am pleased to announce myself as Mr. Union Square Pride 2010, Jamie Seabolt. Beginning my journey just 15 miles up the road in Sissonville, I have accomplished many rewarding efforts, all before turning 30. I began my first gay newspaper that served West Virginia back in 2002 and led to an entire chain of publications. This work for our community rewarded me as one of Gay.com’s Entrepreneur’s of the Year in 2004. Just one month later, I was publicly sued by the City of Pittsburgh for putting a gay publication on their streets. With the help of the ACLU, we rebuttaled, and made a huge leap in gay rights. Similar situations have occurred recently, as I have publicly been fighting to allow openly gay establishments prominent locations in Downtown Charleston. My fights over the years such as these have awarded me the honor of the national Mr.Gay.com Community Leader in both 2008 and again in 2009. As you can tell, PRIDE to me is many different things. Importantly however, it’s about fighting the right fight. It’s about being respectful even when slandered; being there with facts and statistics, not assumptions or hearsay. It’s my right to be gay my way, not their stereotype. It’s about not being afraid to be seen in mainstream media or risk getting your name thrown in mud; because sometimes you must put the individual, yourself, on the line for the greater good of our gay community.
Jason Van Meter
I am Jason Van Meter from Huntington, West Virginia. I am Mr. West Virginia Queer News Pride 2010 1st Alternate. I am so excited and honored to be one of the contenders for Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2010. To me, pride is more than just five letters on a shirt or six colors on a flag. I see gay pride as being a positive representative to both people in the LGBT community as well as the general public. In our fight for equality we must project an image of poise and prosperity rather than allowing stereotypes and stigmas attached to us to hold true and only further oppress our cause. Mr. Pride should be someone who can reach out to all demographics and support various needs of the LGBT population of West Virginia. If given the opportunity to hold the title of Mr. Pride of WV 2010, I would like to focus on reaching out to LGBT youth through speaking to school groups at a high school and college level, furthering HIV/AIDS education and prevention by working with organizations such as the Tri-State AIDS Task Force and MPowerment Charleston, and finally pushing for greater equality legislation in West Virginia by supporting the addition of sexual orientation and gender identity to the WV hate crime legislation and the housing equality act. Whether I am chosen to represent the state as Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2010 or not, I hope my participation in this year’s festivities makes each of you proud to be a part of the LGBT community and proud to be a West Virginian.
Jonathan Clark
I am Jonathan Clark from Cross Lanes, West Virginia. I am your current reigning Mr. West Virginia Queer News Pride 2010. I am an Emergency Medical Technician and am very proud to be a gay man living in our beautiful mountain state of West Virginia. I was raised and supported by two of my uncles who are gay and my mother who is lesbian. I want to be Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2010 because I feel that with my positive outlook on life and professionalism I could be a liaison within the communities of the state to unite them together. With everyone united in the state, it would allow us to work together to push for equality for all. I have represented our state LGBT community in the past as Mr. West Virginia Independence 2009 and Mr. Polo Pride 2009. If I were selected Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2010, I would travel the state and be a spokesperson and role model for Rainbow Pride of West Virginia. I would participate in different events and organizations throughout the state to bring everyone together within the LGBT community. At last I would just like to say that I am very proud to be gay and will stand up for what is right for all my fellow gay West Virginia family.
Michael B
My name is Michael Anthony Barnes. I was born in Shreveport, LA, raised in Virginia, but now am PROUD to be a seven year resident of Charleston. I would like to thank Keeley Steele for her appointment of me as Mr. Frütcake Pride 2010. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Tony Paranzino for his generous support of my efforts. In my spare time I enjoy participating in musical theater with the Charleston Light Opera Guild. I have been in many shows including The WIZ, Beauty and the Beast, Ragtime and RENT in which I experienced my most rewarding role as Tom Collins. I have performed in many venues but am honored to be here today at the Clay Center competing for Mr. Pride of West Virginia. Living on the East End of Charleston, I have had the opportunity to witness a community full of diversity and acceptances both mature and grow. This is my dream for all LGBT communities of West Virginia. Yes, we are all different in so many ways, yet we are bonded with one common goal: ACCEPTANCE. If I become Mr. Pride of West Virginia, I will strive to see that all communities are embraced and encouraged to become one united entity. It will be my goal to have benefits in the community to include ALL of the community. It’s time to UNITE! Once again THANK YOU for your consideration.
Michael Rose
For your consideration for Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2010, my name is Michael Rose. As your current Mr. Union Square Pride 2010 1st Alternate, I have accomplished many feats despite being the youngest Mister contestant in this year’s competition. I began my vocal career in Sissonville, West Virginia as a member of Show Choir, 3 years of All-State Choir, and 9 years of All County Choir. This love of music led me to Marshall University’s Music Education and Vocal performance majors where I continue to excel. On top of being part of Marshall’s Color Guard, Chamber Choir, University Chorus, Opera Company, and Choral Union, I am pleased to have won several vocal performance scholarships, most recently, the “Eloise Campbell-Long Memorial Scholarship”. When not taking part in summer time journeys with my family, I take part in the Charleston Light Opera Guild such as former performances in their production of RENT. With all that said, PRIDE to me means being able to shine in your own talents and never afraid to hide or be yourself. This passion of living applies to not only my music but also my sexual orientation.
Scotty Angel
I am Scotty Angel from Gallipolis, Ohio. I am Mr. Broadway Pride 2010 1st Alternate. As we celebrate our 14th annual WV Pride Week, I am looking forwarding to seeing all of you on Friday May 28th for the Miss and Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2010 pageant. I’d like to thank the Broadway for giving me the opportunity to represent them at the Clay Center and also send my appreciation to everyone who is coming out to support Pride. Please keep in mind our theme this year is “Unity in Diversity.” Without all of you in the state, we would not be where we are today. Thank you for your consideration to be the next Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2010.
Tom Ronk
My name is Tom Ronk. I am your newly crowned Mr. Broadway Pride 2010. I grew up in South Charleston, WV, and although I have resided in other states, such as California and Ohio, I am proud to call WV my home. I have owned and operated Ronk’s Professional Cleaning Service for 16 years and counting, and continue to proudly serve my Tri-State area. I graduate next year from LPN school and aspire to become a Nurse Practitioner, and through everything I give thanks to my parents, Donald and Brenda Sue Ronk; without them, I would not be the man I am today. Honestly, the reason I ran for Mr. Broadway 2010 was to see if I really had the nerve to stand on a stage, to sing or perform what goofy talent came to my mind. When I was announced the winner, it put so much more of a highlight to what I would like to accomplish as Mr. Pride of West Virginia 2010. I would like MY GLBT community to become more involved statewide, and unite as a proud community. I would like so see more venues start clubs for activities, such as gay softball leagues, volleyball leagues, or even bowling leagues. It is 2010…and it is time to revamp the community. I would like to involve myself in groups like MPowerment, start support groups for parents who may not understand that it is ok for your child to be gay. I would like to promote the education systems to have groups for young GLBT students, without them being afraid to embellish their sexuality. Having cleaned house all my life, I personally know that the only thing that belongs in a closet is a vacuum cleaner, or a coat, not you. My future is now, and if I could make a difference in just one person’s life by giving back to my community as my gay forefathers (mothers) have done for me, then my job as Mr. WV Pride was a success. Thank you for all of your consideration, congratulations to all of my fellow Mr. Pride contestants, and I will proudly see you May 28th.
FREE Documentary Screening
FREE, Rapid HIV Testing
The monthly rapid HIV testing clinic takes place in the Rainbow Pride of West Virginia office, located at 501 Elizabeth Street (back entrance) in Charleston’s East End. It is a private, safe location.
The OraQuick Rapid HIV Test, which requires only a quick swab of the upper and lower gums, and results are available while you wait. However, since your visit will require 30-60 minutes of your time (depending on the need for additional testing and counseling), you must call to make an appointment.
For more information or to make an appointment, you can call Chuck at home (304-768-1005) or at my office (304-558-6469). Please leave a message on my voice mail if necessary.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is now recommending that any adult who has never been tested for HIV ought to be offered an HIV test at least once as a part of any medical treatment. Gay men should consider getting tested for HIV at least once a year, although this may depend on sexual habits, condom use, relationship status, etc.
If you wish to be tested for HIV but are not able to come to my clinic this Saturday, please call me anyway, because I may be able to make alternative arrangements more convenient for you.
Please feel free to pass this information along to anyone you think may benefit.
This monthly HIV screening clinic is project of the West Virginia Division of Health & Human Resources, STD & HIV Program.
CHUCK ANZIULEWICZ
HIV Prevention Specialist
304-558-6469 (office)
304-768-1005 (home)
We’re Open
This Saturday, May 17th – Steven Tompa, 2010 Power of One Award Winner
As part of expanding our mission of education and social outreach, Rainbow Pride hosts an informal adult discussion group every Saturday afternoon at the Community Office located at 501 Elizabeth Street in Charleston. We invite everyone to come by between 1:00 and 3:00 pm for coffee, snacks, and conversation. We discuss “hot button issues” and LGBT history, or just hang out and chat. As often as possible, we have special guest speakers discussing their areas of interest.
“We’re Open” is completely casual and perfect for those of you who might not ordinarily join a more formal sort of organization and for anyone who would like a chance to socialize outside of a bar setting. Come as you are, pop in for a few minutes on your way by, or plan to hang out with us for the entire time. And if you have an issue you’d like to bring to the table, we’d love to hear about it. We do ask that participants consider donating a dollar or two to help us keep our fridge stocked, but other than that, all we want is for you to drop in, hang out, and be a part of our community. Everyone is welcome!
Miss & Mister Pride of West Virginia Preliminaries
Documents
2010 Contestant Application
2010 Contestant Packet
2010 Sample Contestant Contract
It’s that time of year again. with Pride2010 approaching, Ms and Mr Pride of West Virginia Preliminaries are being scheduled.
Winners of their respective preliminaries will preform on May 28th at the Clay Center, West Virginia’s premier Arts and Sciences venue in downtown Charleston.
If you’d like to schedule a preliminary pageant and have questions, please send us a message here and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
Below is a list of currently scheduled preliminaries in West Virginia.
Miss & Mister Pride of West Virginia 2010 Preliminary Pageants
Mister West Virginia Queer News Pride 2010
WoodStarr, 322 5th St, Parkersburg
Fri, April 23rd
Mandatory Contestant Registration: 9:00 p.m.
Pageant Time: 10:30 p.m.
Mister Broadway Pride 2010
- 210 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston
- Fri, April 30th
- Mandatory Contestant Registration: 10:00 p.m.
- Pageant Time: 11:00 p.m.
Miss Union Square Pride 2010
- 703 Fife Street, Charleston
- Sat, May 1st
- Mandatory Contestant Registration: 4:00 p.m.
- Pageant Time: 7:00 p.m. if 5 or more contestants
10:00 p.m. if 4 or less contestants
Mister Union Square Pride 2010
- 703 Fife Street, Charleston
- Sat, May 2nd
- Mandatory Contestant Registration: 4:00 p.m.
- Pageant Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Note: At 10:00 p.m. Union Square has a separate pageant for Mister Union Square Pride 2010 MI (male illusionist) and winner will compete at WV L-Pride Pageant
Miss & Mister Jackhammer Pride 2010
Jackhammer, 2127 Manchester Ave, Huntington
Sat, May 8th
Mandatory Contestant Registration: 9:00 p.m.
Pageant Time: 10:00 p.m.
More Preliminary Pageants Coming Soon!
Contenders for Miss Pride of West Virginia 2010 (Photos & Bios Coming Soon)
- Morgan LeFay, Miss West Virginia Queer News Pride 2010 (Winner)
- Tearah Dezarea, Miss West Virginia Queer News Pride 2010 (Runner-Up)
- Donita Monroe, Miss Broadway Pride 2010 (Appointed)
- Dimitria, Miss Vice Versa Pride 2010 (Winner)
- Robin Hearts, Miss Vice Versa Pride 2010 (Runner-Up)
Contenders for Mister Pride of West Virginia 2010 (Photos & Bios Coming Soon)
- Daron Del Ray aka Tim Albee, Mister RWHG Pride 2010 (Appointed by Ron Wilson Hair Gallery)
For details, please contact one of our Pageant Directors
- Martina Dezarea at martinad_4u@yahoo.com
- Mila Rich at jeremye113@yahoo.com
- Steven Tompa at steventompa@yahoo.com
Pride 2010 Awards!
Winners Announced!
Each year, the PrideWV membership nominates individuals for their impact on LGBT West Virginians, the Power of One and Grand Marshal. These awards are then granted by vote of the general membership of Rainbow Pride of West Virginia.
The Power of One is an award that recognizes an individual’s ability to increase visibility, garner support for LGBT issues and overall fight for the cause.
The Grand Marshal is granted to an individual to recognize contributions made to the LGBT community in West Virginia. This individual leads the yearly Pride Parade in Charleston.
Below is a list of nominees as proposed:
Power of One Award
Steve Tompa - is an active fund-raiser in the Bear and Leather communities. He resides in Charleston, West Virginia where he earned his master degrees in banking, business, and computers. He has helped raise money for local and national charities within the communities using the focus of “Unity in Diversity” during his titleholder years as Mr. Mountain State Bear 2004, Mr. Kentucky Bear 2005, Mr. West Virginia Pride 2006, Mr. All-Ohio Bear 2007, and Mr. Mountain Leather 2007. He was the recipient of the International Hospitality Bear Award 2006 at IBR in San Francisco and the recipient of International Leather Volunteer Award 2007 at CLAW in Cleveland . In December 2008, he was “birthed” into Mama’s Family (Mama Sandy Reindhardt of San Francisco’s national leather charity organization) as “Mama’s Mountain Bear”. He is now on the CLAW Board and the Living AIDS Memorial Garden Board. He is a member of Rainbow Pride of West Virginia, the Mountain State Knights, and a staff writer for West Virginia Queer News. He now continues his fund-raising endeavors across the Nation as the CLAW Nation Tour Manager. CLAW has donated over $200,000 to various community charities. Host a CLAW Nation party in your town. You pick the date, location, and charities. Steve will help you plan the party. CLAW, Mr. S Leather, and Recon will help you make it a success!
——————-
Grand Marshal
Seth DiStefano – submitted by Seth DiStefano – “Thank you. Truly its an honor to even be considered. About me, I am orginally from Randolph county, WV where i started my work in politics as an organizer for the Kerry/Edwards presidential campaign. I continued my politcal work as chairman of the Randolph County Democrat Executive Committee during the 2006 midterm elections. In august of 2007, I moved to Charleston to begin working for the ACLU of West Virginia. My first and most enduring assignment was building and maintaing a coalition of organizations supportive of amending West Virginia’s Human Rights Act and Fair Housing laws to include protections for West Virginia’s LGBT community. The measure has seen traction in two successive sessions. That coalition has also played a key role in stopping the homophobic ‘marriage amendment’ from passing. I am a proud alum of WVU and proud to be affiliated with Rainbow Pride because it is unquestionably welcoming of the straight ally community from which I come.”
Out at the Movies – February ‘10
Out at the Movies with Rainbow Pride
We’re trying a new little social event with Rainbow Pride and we’d like you to join us.
On Thursday, February 18, we’ll be getting together at Park Place Stadium Cinemas in Charleston to see “The Wolfman,” starring Benicio del Toro in the title role. Showtime is at 7:35 pm. We’re also planning to meet up at Tricky Fish at about 6:30 for dinner and drinks before the movie. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for seniors and kids under 12. If you’re on Facebook, RSVP here. Otherwise, just show up and look for the people in Pride shirts!
It ought to be a lot of fun and we hope to see you there!
Next month, we’ll be going to see “Alice in Wonderland” at the Cinemark Huntington Mall theater.