THE S.I. LGBT PRIDE PARADE

By Rob Bailey

June 03, 2010, 12:40PM

View full sizeAWE in print ...STATEN ISLAND, NY -- Finally, Staten Island actually gets first-place status when it comes to a “five-borough” event. 

That’s right, this weekend the no-longer-forgotten borough launches New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month activities under the official NYC & Co. tourism banner of “Liberty and Justice For All.” (Check NYCPride.org for details on citywide events.) 

Here’s a rundown of what is being heralded as an unprecedented batch of truly local Pride Month celebrations: 
 
THE S.I. LGBT PRIDE PARADE 
Grand marshals Robin Garber and Kathleen Cumiskey will launch the sixth-annual Staten Island LGBT Pride Parade when it steps off at noon June 5 from Central Avenue between Slosson Terrace and Hyatt Street in St. George. 

The couple was married in Canada in 2006, and two years later opened Bent Pages at 391 Van Duzer Street, Stapleton. It stands today as the last vestige of NYC’s once thriving LGBT bookstore tradition. 

“We’re both very honored to be chosen,” says Cumiskey, who earned her undergrad degree in psychology at Rutgers University, where her honors thesis was on homophobia’s impact on social interaction. “The selection process is done in such a way that members of the community nominate people they think are worthy of selection, so it’s a great honor.” 

Cumiskey, who holds a Ph.D., was also active in establishing Queer CUNY and is currently an assistant professor in the psych department and women’s studies program at College of Staten Island. 

Garber helped found the CSI’s LGBT Alliance in the early 1990s, was an educator for the Staten Island AIDS Task Force (now Community Health Action of Staten Island) and coordinator of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis Lesbian AIDS Project, before becoming a special ed teacher in 2003. 

Too cerebral a pedigree for ya? Well, rumor has it “Bad Girls Club” star Flo (aka Florina Kaja of Eltingville) will also be on hand to march for Pride Month. 

Not familiar with this reality TV-toughgal-turned-rapper? Here’s a sample from her submitted bio: “This bisexual party girl refuses to be the Albanian Muslim ideal of a passive, obedient female her family would hope for. Staten Island girl Florina always encourages women to stand up for themselves and is prepared to fight for the underdog at the drop of a hat.” 
  
... & FESTIVAL ENTERTAINMENT STAGE 
This year’s parade will culminate with an outdoor festival, from 1-5 p.m., in Tompkinsville Park at the corner of Bay Street and Victory Boulevard. There will be plenty of food and merchandise vendors, resource information tables and, of course, lots of live music. 

DJs from 92.3 NOW FM will be on hand with giveaways, and will co-host the entertainment stage with Tina Turner impersonator, Ron B. Opening the show will be Rosemary Palladino, belting out her signature rendition of the National Anthem. 

Next up, last year’s headliner — national recording artist amberRose Marie — returns to perform more of her Billboard-charting pop/dance hits. In addition to tunes from her upcoming album and Las Vegas stage show, amberRose Marie (no, that’s not an optical illusion; it’s how she spells it) plans to pay homage to trailblazers of the past. “I am especially excited to bring on a tribute song from the Stonewall 1969 jukebox, “Put A Little Love in Your Heart,” when a few local youth will join me on-stage during my performance,” says the blonde boogie bombshell. “Music is a great communicator, and I am honored to share the stage with so many other wonderful talents. We all join in solidarity and embrace the spirit of the day. I encourage everyone to come out in support of the LGBT community ... and don’t forget your dancing shoes!” 
 
Also on the bill: Sirena records recording artists Dare 2B Different doing their marriage equality song, Nancy Yvonne (formally of ‘90s group Sweet Sensation), Giorgio’s Latino-Italo-Euro sounds, Bette Midler impersonator Donna Maxon, conscious rapper Shorty Roc, Americana-rockers Joan Caddell & The Electric Light Choir, singer-songwriter Anne Guinta, rapper SOCE the Elemental Wizard taking audience subjects and rapping in the moment, the Big Apple Corp Band, the ballads of Brooklyn’s India M. and more. Special guest community leaders and elected officials will appear throughout the day. 

The entertainment stage is sponsored by Community Health Action Station Island (CHASI) and The LGBT Center in partnership with New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. The parade and festival committee is chaired by Staten Island resident Chris Bauer; entertainment co-chairs are Ron B. and Lawrence F. Schwabacher. 
    For more information, please write siprideparade@gmail.com, call 718-808-1360 or 718-808-1351, or visit SILGBTcenter.org. 

PRIDE PHOTOGRAPHY 
Sunnyside native Ryan Colford is unveiling — perhaps literally, considering his subject matter — a new photography exhibit at the Kevin Barry Gallery, 25 Victory Blvd., Tompkinsville; 718-273-6369. 

Titled “Glimpse of Man,” Colford’s show is billed as “an intimate and sensual look at the male form.” The show opens with an all-ages wine and cheese reception June 4 from 9 p.m.-midnight. (A one-hour post-show-projection, dubbed “Raw Sugar,” is strictly 18-and-up.) 

“There is an element of barriers removed and inhibitions cast aside. My focus on the male form is to expose the beauty of man without shame,” the artist says. “Society and culture has de-sexualized the male form; from the clothing choices to interactions with other men. One of my main goals is to present a positive and acceptable image of male sexuality.” 

But don’t be scared off by all the skin: Colford’s artwork has been published in fashion and lifestyle magazines in America, England and Australia, and has been exhibited in New York galleries, businesses and ad campaigns. 

Currently Colford is working on two separate coffee table books: The tentatively titled “The Candy Shoppe,” a collection blending vibrant colors, sexuality, texture and irreverence. The other is the “Glimpse of Man” collection, a classic styling of fine art imagery of modern day man exposed. 

 
QSINY PRIDE PARTIES 
Wow — for once, Islanders don’t have to trek all the way into Manhattan for a little post-parade celebration. That’s right, we’ve actually managed to hold on to our very own gay bar for more than one year! 

In honor of this momentous occasion, QSINY — 632 Midland Ave.; 800-QSINY22; www.QSINY.com — is hosting its very own “Staten Island Gay Pride Party” starting at 3 p.m. June 5. Co-owners Jim McKernan and Ray Carr promise “Five performers, four DJs, three go-go dancers, two singers” — all at “one place.” 

However, the previous night’s “Madonna Music Night” at QSINY could actually serve as a potent primer for the parade. After-all, who better to usher in officially sanctioned Pride Month festivities than the unofficial Queen of the Gays? Get into the groove at 10: 30 p.m. June 4. Also, call the number above for information about possible cover charges.