June is Pride Month.
So “06880: The Podcast” is proud to feature Brian McGunagle.
The other day, the founder of Westport Pride stopped by the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum to chat about all things LGBTQ.
We talked about gay life in Westport; his own experiences here with his husband and 2 sons — and of course, the upcoming Jesup Green celebration June 4, the drag show at MoCA June 17, and more.
Click below, for a rainbow’s worth of info and insights.
I’m no longer a Westport resident since ‘78 so this is the only chance I’ll have to meet Brian in (more or less) real time. My loss. He reminds me of “better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” We would have gotten along just fine.
I think the reference to a “temporary cross-walk” is unfortunate. Dan, you clarified for my benefit on a different post that the town Highway department was going to evaluate its permanency in terms of the paint “holding up” but I would assume that when the paint wears out, you would simply apply fresh paint. If we’re going to do a cross-walk for Pride, let’s start with the premise that it’s permanent so that nobody assumes that Westport Pride is just a passing fad. Westport in my experience tends to indulge in passing fads all too often I don’t think LGBTQ+ Pride should be one of them. Maybe even consider a Westport Pride foot bridge instead. Just make sure to allow ample clearance (unlike the railroad overpass on South Compo).
I wish someone could give me greater granularity on the usefulness of the Drag Show. I have several gay people in my family and I haven’t had the nerve to ask them about the drag show concept even though we’ve discussed many other elements of DEI. I can only assume that it’s intended to say “Your value as a human being is not defined by your style of dress so let’s push the envelope.” I probably mis understood. I just fail to see the utility of this element of the event.
Keep up the good work. It’s all good.
I am so happy to live in a PRO- LGBTQ commuunity!🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Westporters know Brian as a great leader and Dad. I also know him as a family member. Brian is the kind of person who is always willing to help everyone in the family. I am so grateful he married my wonderful nephew. Additionally, Brian helps people in the community by sharing his life experiences and helping guide them to a happier and healthier life.