To Be Held in Downtown Yonkers June 11
Yonkers City Councilman Anthony Merante sparked a debate in his City when he posted on Facebook his concerns about children attending the upcoming Yonkers Pride Festival on June 11 in downtown Yonkers.
Merante posted, “LEAVE THE KIDS OUT OF THIS EVENT- I strongly feel that children do not belong in this environment. If a parent wants to teach their children about the LGBTQ community that is certainly fine but children’s activities at an event with “Drag Queens” is not. Drag was created as a bawdy art form with both innuendo and explicit performances for adults. Regardless of there being music, face paintings and bouncy houses adjacent to this event, kids should not be included at an event with Drag Queens!
“This should have been considered an adult event. I’m not anti LGBTQ,, but again this isn’t the place for children especially when City of Yonkers funds are being used to sponsor the event. What do you think? Am I being too old fashion in my views?”
Anthony Nicodemo (Chair of Mayor Mike Spano’s LGBTQ Advisory Board) responded in an interview with Yonkers Voice, saying “I think its unfortunate for an elected official in a diverse City like Yonkers to have bigoted views. I think a big portion of the republican party has these views, its pure ignorance. This is our 3rd Pride Celebration in Yonkers, which is a beautiful way to bring together the community. For Mr. Merante to stir the pot and create hate and division for political purposes is embarassing. Yonkers has embraced the LGBT community and Mayor Spano is one of our biggest allies, as are the majority of elected officials. Democratc and republicans have embraced us as well.”
Nicodemo explained the Drag performances as a show. “I have read some of the ignorant comments and views and slurs. It’s an art form, people dress up and perform and sing and dance and give the community a great show. It will be the best pride in Westchester and everyone should come out,” said Nicodemo.
The City of Yonkers posted on its Facebook page, “We see there’s a bit of confusion. The Drag Events are
separate from the Childrens Activities, which will include face paintings and bouncy houses! There’s
also plenty of live music from DJ John Martin for the little ones to show off their moves!”
When asked to clarify his comments on News 12, Councilman Merante said, “I first became aware of the “Drag Show” and children’s activities being part of the Pride Festival from upset residents who saw it on the City of Yonkers Facebook page. There were numerous comments from citizens who were angry at the City of Yonkers for scheduling these two activities together. So, I decided to survey my constituents for their thoughts. My opinion was that it was inappropriate, but I asked in my FB post [ “What do you think? Am I being too old fashion in my views? “] and people responded, most agreed, and some were quite upset. The great thing about America is that we’re all entitled to our opinions. So, for those who decide to take their kids, have a wonderful time and enjoy the Festival,” said Merante.
Some of the Facebook comments on the City of Yonkers page and Merante’s City Council page varied, with some in support of the Pride Festival and some supporting Merante’s views.
“This is wonderful, look forward to bringing my son.”
“So important for kids to see LBGTQ+ individuals, like drag queens, living out and proud.”
“Indoctrinate early and often I guess is the motto.”
“Just so everyone is aware, the entertainers understand that minors are attending, so they will be keeping all acts PG to make it family friendly. Also, if youʼre uncomfortable, donʼt come. No one is forcing you to
attend.”
“Whatʼs wrong with acceptance? What happened to love your neighbor? Maybe instead of having a closed mind, maybe learn something.”
“This is when the homophobes show their true colors.”
“Shame on yonkers. Donʼt you have enough drag entertainment all over yonkers now? I just seen a
bunch running around at the parade. Leave the kids or drags out of this. Enough is enough shame on yonkers.”
“there should be an age limit to attend these kind of gatherings You cannot expose young children to such things like this.”
Editor’s Note: The Pride Festival in Yonkers has happened before, without incident, before COVID.
