OWATONNA, Minn. – Organizers of a festival to celebrate Pride Month held their breath that it would all come off — after weeks of overt and under-the-breath homophobic disparagement. The events, sponsored by a gay group, Rainbowatonna, started with prayers at the Associated Church. The event moved to Owatonna’s Central Park for food, music and a family-friendly drag show. Later there was an adult drag show at a bar and an after-party event at the Owatonna Event Center. Nathan Black, the lead organizer, was pleased as events turned out but noted there had been concerted “very intentional, premeditated bigotry.”
> Venue harassment. The upsccale Torey’s steakhouse and bar backed out as site for the drag show after harassing messages left management and the staff concerned for their safety.
> Anonymous messages. Hateful emails, calls and a handwritten letter were received at Associated Church, where for the prayer service was planned.
> Mayoral visit. Mayor Tom Kuntz showed up the Associated Church a few days in advance and asked a church aide about the Pride events. He wanted contact information for the person who would be giving the sermon and asked whether there would be “stripper poles” in the sanctuary. “Bizarre,” said the aide.
> Mayor’s posture. Black, a Pride organizer who also is a chaplain, had asked Mayor Kuntz to issue a proclamation declaring July 8 Rainbowatonna Day. The mayor’s responded no: “I am so sorry but I just can’t do the proclamation.” He explained: “As a christen (sic) I just want to encourage all of us to follow Gods (sic) commandments and am hoping your service follows Gods (sic) words.”
> Mayor’s prayer. Mayor Kuntz posted a prayer online in advance of the Pride events: “We pray for wisdom as we know of upcoming events where sin and brokenness will be celebrated and where sexually explicit acts will be normalized.”