Evan Stoner's reputation as a principled human being long preceded our chat over coffee. He is an organizer and an activist in the cause of protecting and furthering fundamental human rights and freedoms, not from shabby and shallow political expedience, as in the case of Nawbany's Adam Dickey and Jeff Gahan ...
Gahan belatedly rediscovers "pride," appoints Warren Nash and Idi Amin to the long lost Human Rights Commission, and disappears back into the bunker.
... but out of deep personal commitment. In short, speaking as an oldster, Evan is one damned impressive young man. Many readers already know Evan, so for those who don't, here's a dollop of background.
From March of 2016, a statement of first principles.
A Better Future for Jeffersonville
Jeffersonville Pride is about working towards a better future for all of our residents. Take a moment, close your eyes, and imagine how bright the future in Jeffersonville can be. Jeffersonville can be a destination city for people all around the world. Jeffersonville can be a place where people build others up, not tear them down. A place where everyone treats their neighbor with respect and dignity. A place where students can reach their full potential in school without fear of harassment and discrimination. Jeffersonville can be a place where people are judged by the content of their character, not our differences as human beings. Jeffersonville is better together. That’s why in order for everyone to reach their highest potential, we must take steps to ensure freedom and equality for all our residents.
More recently in the local chain newspaper.
June 2018 proclaimed LGBT Pride Month in Jeffersonville, by Brooke McAfee (That Tom May Joint)
JEFFERSONVILLE— Mayor Mike Moore proclaimed June 2018 to be LGBT Pride Month in Jeffersonville this morning for the first time in the city's history.
“The city of Jeffersonville encourages all citizens to stay connected with one another and to treat all people with love and kindness,” he said.
Moore issued the proclamation before this Saturday's third annual Jeffersonville Pride parade and festival.
LGBT Pride Month is celebrated nationwide each year in June. In the proclamation, Moore stated that “this celebration by the LGBT community is about inclusion to promote dignity, equal rights, self-affirmation and is a way of increasing society's awareness of the issues we face.”
Jeffersonville Pride founder Evan Stoner said the city's recognition of pride month is an historic day for LGBT inclusion in the community. Having the city's first pride parade and festival in 2016 was one gigantic step, he said, and this proclamation is another step forward.
“This is a historic day for the city of Jeffersonville,” he said. “With this proclamation and the mayor's signature, we are leaping Jeffersonville forward yet again.”
Stoner said it was a courageous act for the mayor to sign the proclamation.
“This is something that just a couple years ago was completely unimaginable in the city of Jeffersonville,” he said. “It takes courage for a Republican mayor especially. He's a pioneer. He's a leader in his party. He's a leader in his city. He cares about Jeffersonville. He puts politics behind him, and he focuses on the city of Jeffersonville, and Mike, this means so much to so many people in the city of Jeffersonville.”
“It doesn't take courage,” Moore added. “It simply takes an open mind.”
Let's take another look at Mike Moore's incisive comment.
“It doesn't take courage. It simply takes an open mind.”
Never has the contrast with Deaf Gahan been so vivid. Note that just as Jeffersonville was proclaiming LGBT Pride Month, our dim bulb ("no courage -- never mind") was contemplating pride on the down low: Not to be outdone, Deaf Gahan plans a Pride Parade route for New Albany.
October is a long way off, but put this one on the calendar now. Think of it as another level.
Southern Indiana PRIDE Launch Event (Hosted by Jeffersonville Pride)
On National Coming Out Day 2018, Join Southern Indiana elected officials, political candidates, business owners, faith leaders, education leaders, and passionate citizens as we officially launch the new Southern Indiana Pride parade & festival! The evening will consist of guest speakers, special announcements, live music, 21+ drinks, and excellent Hors d'oeuvres & dinner. Tickets are $35 in advance, $50 at the door. Business professional attire is requested. #SoInPRIDE
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