Despite calls from some quarters for boycotts of Indiana businesses and organizations in the wake of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Lesbian and Gay Bands of America ( LGBA ) is moving ahead with plans for its annual conference, to be held in August in Indianapolis. Among those attending will be representatives of Chicago-based Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles, which operates a number of bands made up of mostly LGBT community members.
LGBA officials acknowledged the calls for boycotting Indiana, but maintain that it is important both to maintain LGBT visibility in the state and support the work of Pride of Indy, the Indianapolis LGBT band hosting the conference.
"As an organization, LGBA supports the decision of Pride of Indy Bands to continue with the conference … because to cancel or move the conference sends the wrong message to the LGBT community," said LGBA President Betsy Smith in a press statement. "Drum Corp International ( DCI ) and Pride of Indy Bands are working together in an historic way for this conference. For the first time, DCI members who identify as LGBT and their family and friends will see, and hear, that they are important when DCI and LGBA team up at the DCI Finals. Hoosiers will see, and hear, that, despite the legislation, members of the LGBT community are proud, vibrant, active and contributing members of society as a whole, and will not be ashamed of who we are and hide in the shadows. The members of Pride of Indy Bands need our support."
LGBA officials expect about 220 participants in the conference.
Lakeside Pride Chair Peter Henry told Windy City Times that the organization also felt that LGBT visibility and showing support was of paramount importance. "Lakeside Pride always attends the conference," said Henry. "This year we think it's more importantif not more importantthat we be there."
A predecessor of Lakeside Pride, the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Community Marching Band, was one of the founding members of LGBA, Henry said, adding that the conference "gives everyone a sense of community, and promotes issues through the music we play."
Since the event does not take place for several months, Henry was not yet sure how many members would be attending. "We're usually one of the biggest showings there."