Guerneville parade and party mark pride day in Sonoma County

Hundreds of people gathered Sunday in downtown Guerneville, where an extravagant parade capped off the river town’s three-day event to promote and celebrate equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Guerneville’s main street, lined with the rainbow flags that have long symbolized the gay rights movement, played host to a dozen floats, marching bands and dancers handing out beaded necklaces to spectators, who cheered as the colorful procession passed.

“We’re here to celebrate pride, diversity and equal rights,” said Arthur Douville, vice president of Sonoma County Pride, the new nonprofit behind the expanded festival. “Guerneville has always been the place in Sonoma County where gays and lesbians come, so we wanted to celebrate that and make it even bigger and better.”

Sunday’s festivities came as pride events and related celebrations were underway in cities and towns around the country. In Sonoma County, this year’s extravaganza was larger than years past, including an exhibit of LGBT history in the Russian River area, a group paddle on the water and a Saturday night dance.

Attendees at the parade said the party was merited for such a momentous year in gay rights, with 37 states now recognizing same-sex marriage and the U.S. Supreme Court expected to resolve the national debate in a decision later this month

“When I came out in the 1970s, I thought I’d be doomed to a life of loneliness, discrimination and violence, but look at how far we’ve come - I married my wife in 2008,” said Sonoma County resident Eris Weaver, who clapped her hands in support as the parade passed. “I never imagined the world would change as much as it has.”

Weaver said she was on hand Sunday to celebrate equal rights for all people, while also pointing out that pride celebrations across the country serve as an opportunity to take action and help others in need.

“We still have so much work to do,” she said.

Pride organizers launched Sunday’s parade with a moment of silence to honor 16-year-old, Adam Kizer, a bisexual Sonoma youth who committed suicide last month after a lifetime of bullying.

After the parade, the festivities continued with live music, food and booths at the Guerneville Lodge. More than 1,000 people were expected to take part over the celebration’s three-day run.

“We’re going all out,” said Douville of this year’s event.

Steven Kloman of Forestville said he attended Sunday’s festivities to celebrate diversity and inclusion.

“It’s pride day, and it’s fun,” he said. “This really reflects our community and it reflects our small town.”

Bonnie Bryen, 40, of Santa Rosa, said she was on hand to support that local community and highlight some of its unmet needs. Bryen said she’d particularly like to see more gathering places for gay and transgender people.

“We need a place to find resources, and share and learn,” she said.

Parade participants included the San Francisco Lesbian and Gay Freedom Band, the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, West County Health Centers supporters and Supervisor Efren Carrillo, who represents the area.

You can reach Staff Writer ?Angela Hart at 526-8503 or ?angela.hart@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ahartreports.