Gay Pride Parade in Fayetteville, Arkansas Draws National Attention

Every summer a gay pride parade is held in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Normally this event takes place with minimal media attention. The 2010 parade is different. Perhaps it is due to the fact that Will Phillips, a ten-year-old boy from West Fork, Arkansas, will be the Grand Marshall of the parade. The American Family Association (AFA), an evangelical Christian organization, is vehemently opposed to the parade.

The Kid

Ten-year-old Will Phillips is no stranger to the media. In October 2009, he received disciplinary action from his West Fork school for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Will's reason for refusing to stand was that he felt that gay Americans were not offered the same "liberty and justice" as non-gays. Until this situation is remedied, Will Phillips will not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. This situation was covered by the national media. He received the GLAAD award on March 13, 2010 for his appearance on a CNN program. You can see his acceptance speech here. On November 19, 2009 CNN interviewed Will Phillips about his decision on refusing to stand.

American Family Association

The AFA makes their anti-gay stance very clear. This organization based in Tupelo, Miss. has started a campaign to stop Fayetteville's Gay Pride Parade. They feel that it is child abuse to allow any child to see or hear anything about alternative lifestyles. Although it is not an Arkansas based association and it does not have a chapter in Arkansas, the AFA is bombarding the Mayor's office with phone calls and faxes calling for a cancellation of the parade. According to the Mayor's office it is unclear as to how many of these communications are from bona fide Fayetteville citizens. There are no plans or discussions about canceling the parade.

The City of Fayetteville

Fayetteville Arkansas is a small city with a population of 68,726 that encompasses 2,000 square miles. Lioneld Jordan is the mayor. University of Arkansas has a large campus in Fayetteville. It is a family friendly city with a wonderful arts center and plenty to do. Miles of biking trails, hiking trails, and parks make Fayetteville a family friendly city. Performers such as George Thorogood have performed at the Walton Arts Center located in downtown Fayetteville.

Sources:

US Census Bureau, 2006 State and County Quick Facts, Fayetteville Arkansas

November 16, 2009 CNN interview with Will Phillips

CNN Transcripts, November 19, 2009