Message from the Co-Chairs
On July 2, the Wednesday Journal printed a letter from Ms. Hannah Phillips in which she expressed outrage over the fact that the paper saw fit to publish a separate section the week before in celebration of gays and lesbians. She went on to say that it disgusted her that her village was happy with “this vulgar affair.” Needless to say, her letter was extremely offensive, and I am pleased to say not only to the gay and lesbian community. Many straight friends were amazed by the prejudicial language of the letter. Since the letter coincided with OPALGA’s participation in the annual 4th of July parade, I wrote a letter to the Journal editor. The letter read as follows:
On July the 4th, a day that is quite special to most of us, I had the privilege again this year of driving a vehicle for OPALGA (Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association) in the Oak Park parade. The outstanding job done by the Community Relations Commission and the Village in putting on this parade is obvious. What was even more amazing to me and everyone else in the vehicle was the absolutely tremendous reception afforded us again this year by the residents of Oak Park. Every possible sign of affirmation is present—high-fives, loud applause, peace signs, louder applause, raised fists, whatever. From senior citizens to young kids to the policemen and policewomen on duty, it is truly a sincere way of saying that it does, indeed, take a village, and we are glad you are a part of our village. From our point of view, nothing could be more affirming as to the pride we share in living in Oak Park and participating in events like the parade that bring us together.
Hannah Phillips, however, has different thoughts. She was “discomfited” to see the “insert thing” about gay pride in the Journal. Imagine her outrage—a local paper that actually sees fit to give coverage to a very large and active segment of the population. A paper, moreover, that finds many advertisers who want to be a part of such coverage. Why, the next thing you know she might be buying a different paper—now, there’s a thought. She then goes on to say that we in Oak Park are happy with “this vulgar affair.” On behalf of every gay and lesbian resident of this village, and many, many straight ones as well, I am outraged by her choice of words. The only vulgar thing I see displayed here is her hatred and ignorance. Out of courtesy and respect I will not use her word of “disgust,” but it truly saddens me that in 2008 an individual who lives in Oak Park would think in this manner. I have been a resident of Oak Park since 1991, and every day something about Oak Park reminds me why this village is such an exceptional place in which to live. Now, here’s another thought—if Oak Park is causing such strong feelings for Ms. Phillips, perhaps she might want to consider living in another location.
Ms. Phillips then complained about coverage of “dog weddings.” Well, only if they are same-sex dogs—she seems to get the humor if male and female dogs marry. That she actually is spending time worrying about this gives me a perverse sense of enjoyment. Why worry about the price of gasoline when Fido and Rover may be tying the knot? That entire paragraph of her letter just floored me, and I won’t even bother to respond. I guess the world really is going to the dogs.
Finally, she mentions that she doesn’t see the Oak Park parade, as she is usually in a parade portraying Civil War veterans. Here, I must tip my hat to her—she finally has gotten something right. I don’t know how she did it, but she found a parade whose portrayal of time is right in line with her thinking. You go, girl!
Mike Cochran
Oak Park
