Staten Island St. Paddy’s Day Parade
If you are Irish, you probably have a story about an ancestor who was excluded from interviewing for jobs because they saw signs in New York windows with the message: “No Irish Need to Apply.”
Every year, the Staten Island St. Paddy’s Day Parade organizers refuse to let Pride Center of Staten Island to march with their banner. They had the Rainbow Run:
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A massive showing of support today for the #SILGBTQ community.
We are proud to show up and stand with the @pridecenterSI. #StatenIrelandPride
??????????????????????: Stephanie Ward pic.twitter.com/HM3Jvlm3EA
— RainbowRunSI (@RainbowRunSI) March 1, 2020
Their decision tells every teen in Staten Island that it is not okay to be who you are. While the parade organizers will justify the exclusion by saying, “it’s a non-sexual identification parade.” Supporters for the Pride Center know this more about identity and acceptance. It’s a hard thing for teenagers, who are trying to figure out who they are hear that people can’t march if they belong to the LGBTQ community.
The Staten Island Community supported Pride Center:
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So much #StatenIrelandPride along the parade route today! @pridecenterSI @RainbowRunSI #Silive pic.twitter.com/H6afD7Q9Ku
— MoveForwardSI (@MoveForward_SI) March 1, 2020
Businesses hung balloons in a rainbow of colors and posted these signs:
When people participate in a parade that excludes groups of people, it means they agree with that exclusion. An impressive and classy move was made by Councilman Joe Borelli. He is a well-loved and respected Councilman in Staten Island.
Councilman Joe Borelli was given a small rainbow flag pin, He fastened it to his vest. Parade marshals told Borelli he wouldn’t be allowed to march in the parade. “They physically blocked me,” said Borelli, who showed up with his wife and their two sons. “They called police on me. I spoke to a sergeant and was not going to make the life of our cops more complicated to prove a point,” he said. “I didn’t come looking for an argument. Story here and here.
Borelli didn’t do this as a way to “play politics.” It was very low key.
Play this video that Borough President Jim Oddo shared:
Hey @JoeBorelliNYC, want to rent this truck with me, be my co-pilot, and we can drive it down Forest Avenue next year?https://t.co/8RvKQsfDdY
— Jimmy Oddo (@HeyNowJO) March 1, 2020
The Staten Island Parade Organizers need to do better next year. Irish people party with everyone. Send the right message to the teens in Staten Island – be who you are and celebrate Irish culture! Here’s to no crying shamrocks next year.
Hugs,
marlene
Topics: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
March 2nd, 2020 at 11:20 pm
To my reader – I didn’t publish your comment here because the world doesn’t need any more hate.
I’ve never thought about what you stated because I am too busy living my life. I will tell you that people don’t choose to be gay. And God doesn’t make mistakes.
It’s Lent man – clean your windows and go help some people. Tonight I will pray that you become so busy you don’t get concerned with nonsense.