The Opening Ceremony officially welcomes you to PrideFest 2011

Since 1987 the city’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community has assembled to celebrate its diversity and unity in the great Milwaukee tradition of a “fest.” Our first Pride gatherings were humble. Attendance numbered dozens.

Now, 24 years later, tens of thousands of LGBT people, their friends, families and allies attend our internationally renowned PrideFest. With top name entertainment and a broad spectrum of offerings from belly dance to volleyball, it is one of the world’s greatest Pride celebrations.

The opening ceremony begins with a presentation of our nation’s flag by the Veterans Do Ask Do Tell Color Guard. A quartet from the Florentine Opera chorus under the direction of chorus master Scott Steward will sing our National Anthem.

PrideFest president, Scott Gunkel will then introduce its board of directors, community leaders and sponsors, the people who make PrideFest possible.

Each year marks another milestone in our LGBT history. From the 1969 Stonewall Riots that launched the LGBT liberation struggle, to the election of out and proud LGBT politicians, to the recent repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, our progress on the road to equality is steady and sure.

Awards have been part of PrideFest for most of its 24-year history. They recognize community leaders, organizations and volunteers for their tireless dedication to the cause of LGBT equality. All contribute to our mutual goal of creating positive change in our LGBT community.

MARIA CADENAS	PRIDE MEDAL	DIVERSE & RESILIENT

This year, PrideFest production director Peter Minns presents the PrideFest Medal for Community Achievement to Maria Cadenas, former executive director of Cream City Foundation for her extraordinary development of philanthropy in the LGBT community and to Diverse & Resilient, Milwaukee’s capacity building organization, for the five year anniversary of the PrideFest Health and Wellness Area.

This year PrideFest recognizes two volunteers for their PrideFest service.

Following the award presentations, Scott Gunkel will officially declare the opening of PrideFest 2011.

To conclude the Opening Ceremony members of Women’s Voices Milwaukee and the city’s gay men’s choir, City of Festivals Men’s Chorus sing “Stand Up and Be Proud.”

Composed by Tori Fixx, Scott Malcom, Corky Morgan and Yolanda Roth.