Here’s what’s going on in Vallejo during Pride month

VALLEJO —  The rainbow flag will fly over government buildings this month as several Pride events help unite LGBTQ activists and their supporters.

The city of Vallejo issued a proclamation recognizing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride month last week. Yet local LGBTQ rights activists expressed anxiety, as new restrictive laws are being passed in other states across the nation. Vacaville Mayor John Carli’s refusal to raise the rainbow flag last week hit close to home.

“We’re joining forces, especially for Pride Month. Look at what’s going on in Florida right now,” Solano AIDS Coalition director Mario Saucedo said, referring to recent legislation prohibiting discussion of homosexuality in schools. “But look at what happened in Vacaville with the mayor not wanting to raise the flag.”

Tom Bilbo, Vallejo Gay Network coordinator and Stonewall Democratic Club of Solano County chair, also expressed dismay. “It’s such a shame that the Democratic majority on the Vacaville City Council is not holding the mayor accountable,” Bilbo said. “We are lucky in Vallejo, and in this regard, we are a beacon to the rest of the county.”

Vallejo Mayor Robert McConnell said celebrating Pride month has been observed for many years in Vallejo, and there is no reason to alter that. “Vallejo attempts to create an all-embracing acceptance of a wide range of views as established by the vote of the city council,” he said.

A Pride flag raising ceremony will be held today at the Vallejo Unified School District on Mare Island at 5:45 p.m. Thursday’s flag ceremonies begin at Vallejo City Hall at 10 a.m., then two more will be held at the Florence Douglas Center at 11:30 a.m, and at the Greater Vallejo Recreation District headquarters at 11:45 a.m.

Bilbo says it is important to show inclusivity for both LBGTQ youth and seniors.

“You have teenagers and younger kids who are bullied, harassed, beaten up because they are maybe a little bit different. That's why I think it's important for the Vallejo City Unified School District to make a proclamation and raise the flag,” Bilbo said. “For seniors, it's really important that they don't have to go back into the closet when they move into congregate housing or a care facility.”

On Saturday night, a “Night of Divas and Salsa” drag show fundraiser for Solano Aids Coalition will be held from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at Bambino’s Restaurant. The Violeta Aries Travestis Show headlines the performance. Aries is a well-known San Francisco female impersonator of several famous Mexican singers. DJ Billy will play salsa music.

The money raised is intended to support the Solano Aids Coalition’s new mental health program spearheaded by Saucedo and show organizer Perla Pando.

“We're going to have professionals, mental health specialists and doctors. It’s going to be a live program and people from the community can call in and we can help them to navigate the system,” Saucedo said.

The pair cited an increase in drug addiction, suicide and continued fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic that still affects kids who fell behind in socialization and schoolwork, people grieving the death of family members and people with long COVID.

On Saturday, June 10 the Vallejo Museum will host a moderated discussion panel about the history of Pride, followed by a party that evening. The Vallejo Gay Network’s annual Pride Picnic will enliven Alden Park on Sunday June 11 with live performances, a cornhole tournament and an art and activities pavilion for kids.

One of this weekend’s Pride events has stirred controversy. A “Community Pride — Celebrating Vallejo’s Diversity” fundraiser for the Mira Theatre and the Chocolate Rainbow Theatre Company runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

The Mira Theatre event features drag artist Raya Light, with performances by Heart & Soul, a Huey Lewis tribute band; the East Bay Soup Kitchen Band; Verismo Opera, hip-hop artist Shelby Pryor, Gospel singer Kenny Hill and comedian Julia Jackson.

Mira Theatre Guild Vice President and Chocolate Rainbow Theatre Founder Meja Tyehimba said she named the event “Community Pride — Celebrating Vallejo’s Diversity” because it represents the whole community. “It is very diverse in terms of the performers. We're not turning anyone away,” Tyehimba said. “This is an opportunity for us to come together and be one community.”

But the Vallejo Sun received several email complaints regarding the participation of Pryor in the event, who has performed as a hip-hop artist but is more widely known for his controversial political views.

Pryor is well known among participants in public meetings in Sonoma County. Last year, Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore obtained a restraining order against Pryor after he allegedly threatened him with violence during a meeting. Pryor had been an opponent of vaccine mandates and during a meeting in April he allegedly told Gore, “Come out and fight me” and “bring a gun if you want,” according to the Press Democrat.

Earlier this month, Pryor caused controversy again when he called Santa Rosa school board member Ed Sheffield a racial slur during a meeting. Sheffield held a one-man protest over the remarks during the school board’s most recent meeting.

In an apparent response to the complaints, Pryor and his fiancée Adina Flores released an Instagram video where Pryor said, “I’m a Black American, I’m not going to take your crap, and guess what, we know boys are boys and girls are girls.”

The event Fundraiser Committee responded to the complaints in a written statement which said, “We welcome everyone to participate as this is our goal to create a safe and inclusive environment.  We take your allegations seriously and invite you to address your concerns with the artist directly for future resolution.  We do not support cancel culture and invite all artists that support our cause to participate.”

Tyehimba defended Pryor in an interview with the Sun. She said she discussed the complaints with Pryor and doesn’t expect any negativity from him this weekend. She noted that Pryor and all other performers are volunteering their time for the fundraiser.

“His work is really good," Tyehimba said.  "He’s not homophobic at all. He has never given off that vibe whatsoever.”