The document is a guide for South Carolina Pride 2008 events held in Columbia, SC from August 22nd to October 12th. It includes a schedule of over 30 events such as drag shows, dances, films, parades, picnics and more. RuPaul is featured as the headliner of the Pride celebration on September 20th in Finlay Park. The guide also provides information on local accommodations, bars and restaurants that are LGBT friendly.

1. SOUTH CAROLINA
2 0 0 8 G U I D E
RuPaul
FEATURING
PLUS
Richard Cortez
AND
Change Due PHOTO: Mike Ruiz
SPONSORED BY SOUTH CAROLINA PRIDE MOVEMENT | COLUMBIA SC

2. 2

3. table of contents
Welcome Letter from SC Pride President 4
Letter from City of Columbia 6
Letter from Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley 7
Schedule of Events 10
Accommodations & Distractions 15
Parade Route 20
Finlay Park Map 21
PHOTO: Mike Ruiz
PERFORMING
RuPaul STAR OF
International sensation RuPaul performs
Saturday, September 20 at SC Pride.
LEARN MORE - PAGE 22
Entertainment 22
South Carolina: So Gay, So Proud 28
Myrtle Beach Pride 30
Thank You 36
Annual Awards 38
Membership Form 42
3

4. welcome to SC Pride 2008
On behalf of the Board of the SC Pride Movement, the 2008 SC Pride Committee,
and all of us at the Harriet Hancock Community Center, I wish to welcome you to
SC Pride 2008: “A New Day Dawns”!
Truly this year has signaled a new era in the history of South Carolina’s gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. The City of Columbia, in particular,
has demonstrated its commitment to equality by passing a comprehensive
Human Rights Ordinance, by declaring the last Saturday in June to be SC Black
Pride Day, and by approving a grant for $10,000 to sponsor this year’s SC Pride
Festival. “A New Day Dawns” here in SC, and Pride ‘08 is just one example of all
the great things happening around our state!
It has taken our committee over nine months to plan and organize for this single
week, but it was SO worth it! We hope you will enjoy each of the events we have
planned and we hope that you leave this week with your head held high, finding
that you are Proud to be from South Carolina and Proud to be true to yourself.
When I first moved to South Carolina eight years ago for my undergrad program
at Clemson University, I never expected that I would be writing to you today.
For the past two years, I have had the honor of working on the Board of the SC
Pride Movement, and it is truly an honor to be your President. It gives me great
pleasure to welcome to you to South Carolina Pride 2008!
Enjoy this Pride Week and the wonderful new energy of equality in Columbia
and across our state. Always remember that the Harriet Hancock Center is Your
Center – Your history, Your hope and Your home. We are your family, and we will
try to always be there for you. We welcome you to join us as
we begin to plan for SC Pride 2009.
Happy Pride, Y’all!!!
Ryan Wilson,
President, SC Pride Movement
prideinsc@yahoo.com
4

5. 5

6. from the city of columbia
6

7. from the city of charleston
7

8. CMFA
ArtsResource Since 1897
CMFA ArtSpace
cmfaonline.com
914 Pulaski Street, Columbia
COLUMBIA BOMBSHELLS
WOMENS RUGBY
T h e C o l u m b i a B o m b s h e l l s a r e a D i v i s i o n I I Wo m e n ' s Ru g by
C l u b Te a m d e d i c a te d to c r e a t i n g s t r o n g wo m e n a t h l e te s a n d
a n a c c e p t i n g s o c i a l c o m m u n i t y fo r a l l wo m e n . T h e B o m b s h e l l s
we l c o m e a l l s k i l l a n d f i t n e s s l eve l s , n o p r i o r r u g by ex p e r i e n c e WOMEN
n e c e s s a r y. We p r a c t i c e Tu e s d ay s a n d T h u r s d ay s a t O we n s
F i e l d Pa rk f r o m 7 p m to 9 p m . I f yo u ' r e i n te r e s te d i n g i v i n g PLAY RUGBY.
r u g by a t r y, e m a i l r e c r u i te r @ c o l u m b i awo m e n s r u g by. c o m o r
j u s t c o m e to p r a c t i c e ! Chicks Watch.
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8

9. 9

10. schedule of events
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22ND
• Patti O’Furniture’s Summer Camp Show and Birthday Benefit. 10:00 p.m, PT’s Cabaret (1101
Harden Street). Requested donation. A comedy cabaret featuring some of the South’s most
entertaining drag queens, and hosted by Ms SC Pride 2006. Proceeds go to the AIDS Benefit
Foundation. For more info, contact Patti at thepotluckclub@mac.com.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH
• Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Harriet Hancock Gay and Lesbian Community
Center (1108 Woodrow Street), Free. This month’s potluck social will be in honor of all the
volunteers who work so hard to make Pride a great event. Come to the center with your
favorite side dish and share in the festivities. This event is open to all.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH
• SC Black Pride Reception, 7:00 p.m., Hush (1004 Gervais Street), No cover charge. Join
friends and celebrate diversity with members of SC Black Pride.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH
• 2008 Pride Pageant, 9:00 p.m. , P.T.’s Cabaret (1101 Harden Street). $10 requested donation,
proceeds benefit SC Pride. Male and female impersonation contest featuring former Pride Queens.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH
• Opening Pride Worship Service, 11:00 a.m., Garden of Grace United Church of Christ (1020
Atlas Road). Garden of Grace marks the 15th anniversary of its founding with a celebration
that began August 17th and culminates with the final day of SC Pride. For more information,
call (803) 695 – 9664 or visit www.gogucc.com.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH
• Third Monday Workshop, 7:00 p.m., Campus of USC-Columbia. Free. September’s Third
Monday workshop will feature For the Bible Tells Me So, a documentary that examines the
relationship between homosexuality and the Bible in contemporary U.S. society with a panel
discussion to follow the film. This event is sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign and
the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Alliance.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH
• An Evening of PRIDE Films, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m., Trustus Theatre (520 Lady Street), $10, Cash
Bar. Sponsored by the Nickelodeon Theatre, this celebration of LGBT films features a series
of shorts (including Real Men, Valley of the Chapstick, Checkout, and Black Men & Me)
as well as the documentary Trantasia, starring Columbia native Dorae Saunders. For more
information on Trantasia, visit www.trantasiathemovie.com. For more information on the
Nickelodeon Theatre, visit www.nickelodeon.org.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH
• Open House, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Harriet Hancock Gay and Lesbian Community Center (1108
Woodrow Street). Free. Visit the Harriet Hancock Center and learn more about the center
and the programs available to the community. Food and refreshments will be served.
continued…
10

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Housekeeping & meal plans included 1-803-356-1158
11

12. schedule of events CONTINUED
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH
• Town Hall, 7:00 p.m., Greystone Room, Embassy Suites (200 Stoneridge Drive, Zoo Exit off
of 126). Sponsored by SC Equality. Visit www.scpride.org or the Harriet Hancock Gay and
Lesbian Community Center for event details.
• Kiki DeVille’s Pre-Pride Dance Party, 10:00 p.m., PT’s Cabaret (1101 Harden Street ), No cover
charge. Party features dancing, drag queens, and drink specials.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH
• Takeover Columbia: Pride edition, 5:01 p.m., Location TBA, Free. Join in on the monthly
takeover of a Columbia bar.
• Hero Awards Gala, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., Ballroom, Embassy Suites (200 Stoneridge Drive, Zoo
Exit off of 126), Tickets are $20 in advance (visit scpride.org or the Harriet Hancock Community
Center to purchase tickets), $30 at the door. Ticket prices include $10 cover to enter the Villain
Party at Club Fusion before 11:30 p.m. Come dressed to impress and help SC Pride hand out its
annual awards at a superhero-themed event. Cash bar and light hor d’ourves.
• Villain After-Party, 11:00 p.m., Club Fusion (920 Lady Street), $10 cover, free with Hero Gala ticket
before 11:30 p.m. Celebrate Pride with DJ Junior Vasquez – Hero or Villain costumes a plus!
• Bear Pageant, H2O (220 State Street, West Columbia) Cover charge. Bears compete at H2O.
• Carmella Marcella Garcia Performance, Midnight, PT’s Cabaret (1101 Harden Street). Cover
charge. See featured guest Carmella Marcella Garcia perform with the Party Time Gals.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH
• Pride Parade, 12:00 noon, Finlay Park. Assemble at 11:00 a.m. on the Laurel Street side of
Finlay Park for the 19th Annual Pride Parade. See map (page 20) for parade route.
• Pride Celebration, 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. , Finlay Park, FREE. Come out and celebrate your pride!
The celebration will feature RuPaul, as well as other great entertainers and special guests.
Enjoy vendors, food, and lots of fun!
• Carmella Marcella Garcia Performance, Midnight, PT’s Cabaret (1101 Harden Street), Cover
charge. See featured guest Carmella Marcella Garcia perform with the Party Time Gals.
• Change Due Encore Performance, 9:00 p.m., The L Word (625 Frink Street, Cayce), No cover
charge. Catch SC Pride performers a second time at The L Word.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST
• Rainbow Candlelight Worship Service, 11:00 a.m., Garden of Grace United Church of
Christ (1020 Atlas Road). Garden of Grace marks the 15th anniversary of its founding with a
celebration that began August 17th and culminates with the final day of SC Pride. For more
information, call (803) 695 – 9664 or visit www.gogucc.com.
• Pride Picnic, 12:00 noon, Elmwood Park (off North Main Street), Free. Join us for our annual
potluck picnic! No media, no speeches. Just bring food and drink to share!
• Business Guild Sunset Boat Cruise, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Lake Murray Marina in Ballentine, $25 for
Guild Members, $35 for non-members. Join the SC Gay and Lesbian Business Guild on their
annual sunset cruise of Lake Murray, including drinks and food. Departure will be at 5:45; all
passengers must be at the dock by then. For more information, call (803) 771-0411.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12TH
• SC Pride 2008: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, 2:00 p.m., Harriet Hancock Gay and
Lesbian Community Center (1108 Woodrow Street), Free. Have comments, critiques, or
praises regarding this year’s Pride Week? Bring your recommendations for future Pride events
to the final meeting of the Pride 2008 season.
12

13. Darts Karaoke
Pool Tables Live Music
Video Games Party Patio
Come show your pride with
The Sexy Reds
No Cover Charge
625 Frink Street Cayce, SC 29033 - (803)794-2111 - myspace.com/sclword
13

14. 14

15. accommodations & distractions
HotEls BaRs REstaURants
Embassy Suites Art Bar Blue
200 Stoneridge Drive 1211 Park Street 721 1/2 Lady Street # A
Columbia, SC 29210 Columbia, SC 29201 Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 252-8700 (803) 929-0198 (803) 251-4447
columbiagreystone. www.artbarsc.com
embassysuites.com Gervais & Vine
sC PRIDE Host HotEl! Capital Club 620 Gervais Street # A
USE CODE ‘SCP’ 1002 Gervais Street Columbia, SC 29201
TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT RATE Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 799-8463
BASED ON AVAILABILITY
(803) 256-6464 www.gervine.com
Hampton Inn
Fusion Harper’s
822 Gervais Street
920 Lady Street 700 Harden Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Columbia, SC 29201 Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 231-2000
(803) 765-1574 (803) 252-2222
hamptoninncolumbia.com
www.theclubfusion.com www.harpersrestaurants.com
Hilton
H2O Hush
924 Senate Street
220 State Street 1004 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201
West Columbia, SC 29169 Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 744-7800
(803) 794-8443 (803) 765-0404
www.hiltoncolumbia.com
www.myspace.com/barh2o www.hushcolumbia.com
Inn at Claussin’s
L Word M Cafe
2003 Greene Street
625 Frink Street 1417 Sumter Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Cayce, SC 29033 Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 765-0440
(803) 794-2111 (803) 779-5788
www.theinnatclaussens.com
www.mcafedechaya.com
PT’s Cabaret
1101 Harden Street Miyo’s
Columbia, SC 29205 922 Main Street
(803) 758-6090 Columbia, SC 29201
www.pts1109.com (803) 779-6496
www.miyos.com
PT’s 1109
1109 Assembly Street Vista Grill
Columbia, SC 29201 1301 Assembly Street
(803) 253-8900 Columbia, SC 29201
www.pts1109.com (803) 251-0255
Yesterday’s
2030 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 799-0196
www.yesterdayssc.com
15

16. What do comic Lily Tomlin, actor Leslie Jordan, a gay Iraq war
veteran, black activist Keith Boykin, co-founder of Soulforce Mel
White, Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire the Right Reverend V.
Gene Robinson, author Edmund White and writer, director and visual
artist John Waters all have in common?
They have all been on Rainbow Radio,
South Carolina’s award-winning gay and lesbian
talk radio show!
Celebrating over 150 shows on the air, Rainbow Radio was the winner of the 2007 HRC
Equality Award and a Media Justice grant from the Fund for Southern Communities.
With over 150 shows on air and online, Rainbow Radio is the voice of gay and lesbian
South Carolina! Available for download and pod-cast at scpride.org.
For too long, talk radio has been filled with folks talking about us. Now we’re speaking
for ourselves. Rainbow Radio – a program by gay and straight people, for gay and
straight people!
Tune in and listen to Rainbow Radio every week!
SUNDAYS at 10AM
AM 1230 WOIC or ONLINE www.scpride.org
16

17. Food
for thought DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
At Food Lion, we have bags of fresh Our DIVERSITY of skills,
foods that exemplify the diversity knowledge, abilities,
of our customers, products, associates and life experiences
and communities we serve. are leveraged through
creating an INCLUSIVE
environment.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION, It’s all part of our commitment to be an active partner in the communities we serve.
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• Bedtime Campfire Tasty Treats
• Certified Camp Counselors®
Camp Bow Wow® (803) 748-4544
1916 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201 columbia@campbowwow.com
17

18. congratulations to
SC Pride
celebrating 19 years
of vision and leadership
in communities across our state
PO Box 22088
Charleston, SC 29413-2088
Ph: 843-883-0343
Fax: 843-723-3859
www.affa-sc.org
AFFA is a social justice organization achieving equality and acceptance
for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
acceptance without exception
18

19. 19

20. SOUTH CAROLINA
R o U t E & M a P
PARADE ASSEMBLY &
parade route START POINT
PARKING LAUREL
Finlay Park
SC TAYLOR
EMPLOYMENT
PARKING LOT
HAMPTON MAIN
WASHINGTON
ASSEMBLY
GADSDEN
LINCOLN
WAYNE
PARK
LADY
SC STATE
HOUSE
GERVAIS
20

21. finlay park
GADSDEN STREET
PARADE ENTRA
BLANDING STREET
GOVERNOR’S HILL
NCE
K
IN
DR REET
& RS LINCOLN ST
O
OD D
FO VEN
TAYLOR STREET
$
ATM
SC PRIDE INFO
LAUREL STREET
FIRST AID
ST
AG Party
E Tent VENDORS
VENDO
RS
PARK STREET PLAYGROUND
TAYLOR STREET
ET
ASSEMBLY STRE
TO
GERVAIS STREET TO
US 1 INTERSTATE INTERSTATE
&
21

22. entertainment FEATURED GUESTS
RuPaul
As a chart topping performer, movie star, and television
host, RuPaul has been a fixture in American pop
culture for the past two decades. In 1993 RuPaul
released Supermodel of the World. The album featured
“Supermodel (You Better Work),” which reached #2 on the
US Dance charts and catapulted RuPaul to celebrity status.
Subsequent songs and albums continued to climb to the
top of the charts. In 1996, RuPaul hosted “The RuPaul
Show,” a talk show that aired nightly on VH1. Among
PHOTO: Mike Ruiz
RuPaul’s film credits are Crooklyn (1994) and To Wong Foo,
Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995). Her most
recent movie, Starrbooty, premiered at the 2007 New York
Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. This year RuPaul will host
“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” a reality television game show on
Logo, and will appear as a judge on “Project Runway.”
Richard Cortez
After founding indie label Wollenberg Records in 2005,
award-winning singer-songwriter and gay rights activist
Richard Cortez has been folkin’ the East Coast one busted
guitar string at a time. His debut album, “craving something
beautiful,” has topped gay indie music charts since its
release—and that was just the beginning of the impact
this grass roots rocker has made in the gay music scene.
With two albums out since—a live recording and one
five-song ep—Richard has developed an international fan
base. Recently, his hometown of South Florida named him
“gay male hero” and “best gay male entertainer.” Richard
has spent the last year or so gallivanting around gay bars
performing and collecting hands-on experiences for his
latest release, “sleeping with strangers,” in which he turns
his sharp wit and folk rock finesse onto life in gay bars.
Change Due
‘There’s a change due!’ From back porches and campfires to
First Coast Pride, Change Due has never met a crowd they
couldn’t please. The group has captured the hearts of many
with their exclusive sound. Their evident love for music and
passion for having a good time combines to make for one
of the best shows you’ll see. Inspired by a wide variety of
artists, Change Due touches a little of everything with songs
ranging from the tear-jerking ‘Lead Me Away’ to comedic
songs like ‘Cotton Candy Booty’. Their uncategorized sound
attracts an eclectic crowd with one thing in common…the
eminent tunes of Change Due.
22

23. entertainment EMCEES
Bruce Converse
After stints of part-time teaching and 29 years in the business world, Bruce
Converse moved to South Carolina in 2001 with his partner Michael VanDiver.
He has taught at various colleges and universities since arriving in the Midlands
area and is currently an Instructor, teaching Public Speech at Midlands Technical
College. In addition, Converse is the Executive Producer, Writer and Co-host of
Rainbow Radio-The Real Gay Agenda, a half-hour weekly radio show “by gay
and straight people, for gay and straight people.” The Human Rights Campaign
awarded this program their Equality Award for 2007. The show can be heard on
Sunday mornings at 10:00 am on WOIC, AM 1230. The shows are also available
on the internet, at www.scpride.org. Converse is the recipient of the 2008
Harriet Hancock Volunteer of the Year Award.
Tony Snell
Longtime gay activist Tony Snell served as president of SCGLPM for several
years. During that time he was one of the community’s most articulate
spokespeople in the statehouse and public forums, organizing many initiatives
and demonstrations over the years, including an infamous trip to the art museum
at Bob Jones University, which had prohibited gay alumni from visiting campus.
In 1998 Snell was interviewed along with Harriet Hancock by The New York
Times in a ground-breaking story about gay and lesbian political organizing
in South Carolina. A graduate of the University of South Carolina (USC) with
extensive experience in commercial radio, Snell is also a club promoter and
longtime fixture on Columbia’s nightclub scene. Snell is the recipient of the 2008
Harriet Hancock Center Award for Distinguished Service.
entertainment LOCAL GUESTS
Brock Henderson
Brock Henderson is a twenty-six year old aspiring singer that discovered his
love of music at an early age. He cultivated his skill and talent through various
endeavors including show choir, chamber choir, concert choir, and all-state choir
during his high school career. While at Winthrop University, Brock focused his
energies on graphic designed but still found his musical outlet through chorale,
chamber singers, and glee club. Nowadays, Brock can be found at PT’s 1109 and
The “L” Word enjoying the local karaoke scene. Brock Henderson, your 2008
Pride Idol, was sponsored in the competition by PT’s 1109.
Jinx Kelly
Stand-up comedienne Jinx (formerly Jenn) Kelly of Columbia started her career
in comedy at age 13, and she has performed at comedy clubs and bars in South
Carolina and Georgia. Kelly says her goal in life is to make everyone, no matter
who they are, laugh. Kelly returns to the Pride stage for a third straight year.
Party Time Gals, The Cabarettes, and the Cabaret Kings
Members of the Party Time Gals and the Cabarattes, female impersonation
troupes from Columbia, and their drag king companions, the Cabaret Kings, will
perform at SC pride again this year. The groups perform regularly in revues with
other performers at their home bar, PT’s Cabaret in Columbia (1101 Harden Street,
near the Food Lion in Five Points.). For more info, see www.ptscabaret.com.
23

24. entertainment SPEAKERS
Mandy Carter
Mandy Carter is a self-described “southern out black lesbian social justice
activist”. This year she celebrates forty years of working in grassroots social,
racial, and LGBT justice organizing. Carter is the founder of Southerners On New
Ground (SONG), an organization that builds progressive movement across the
South by mobilizing organizations concerned with race, class, culture, gender,
and sexuality identity. Mandy is also a founding board member of the National
Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the only national civil rights organization of black
LGBT people dedicated to fostering equality by fighting racism and homophobia.
Carter lives in Durham, North Carolina and runs Mandy Carter Consulting, which
focuses on social, racial and LGBT justice organizing.
Candace Chellew-Hodge
Candace Chellew-Hodge is the author of Bulletproof Faith: A Spiritual Survival
Guide for Gay and Lesbian Christians published by Jossey-Bass. She is also the
founder/editor of Whosoever: An Online Magazine for GLBT Christians at www.
whosoever.org. She currently serves as associate pastor at Garden of Grace
United Church of Christ in Columbia. Chellew-Hodge is the recipient of the 2008
Harriet Hancock Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Honorable Mayor Robert D. Coble
In office since 1990, Mayor Bob Coble is one of the city’s longest serving and
most popular mayors. Under his leadership, Columbia was the first city in the state
of South Carolina to include sexual orientation in the city’s non-discrimination
policy for municipal employees. For a third year, Mayor Bob will offer a welcome
from the SC Pride Festival stage.
Elke Kennedy
Elke Kennedy was born in Germany and has lived in SC since 1985. She is the
mother of three children and two step-sons. Her youngest son, Sean Kennedy, was
murdered in a hate crime on May 16th, 2007. She and her family have channeled
their grief into a foundation called Sean’s Last Wish and she has dedicated her
efforts to assure that no other mother has to experience the loss of a child because
of hate. In the last fourteen months, Kennedy has traveled over 35,000 miles to tell
Sean’s story and to educate the public about the gaps in the laws and the need for
change. Kennedy was named 2007 Q-notes person of the year and she received the
2008 Equality award for the Carolinas from the Human Rights Campaign in February
of this year. For more information, visit www.seanslastwish.org.
Lambda Legal Representative
Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of
the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with
HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. The organization
imagines a different world — a world of full equality for lesbians, gay men,
bisexuals, transgender people and people with HIV — and it works to create that
world every day. Lambda Legal pursues impact litigation, education and advocacy
to make the case for equality in state and federal court, the Supreme Court and in
the court of public opinion.
24

25. what do YOU imagine?
14th Annual HRC Carolinas Gala
2.21.09
www.hrccarolinas.org
14th Annual HRC Carolinas Gala
2.21.09
www.hrccarolinas.org
25

26. All Natural Soy Candles
Burn evenly for
approximately 60 hours
No black soot
Can be used as a moisturizer on
your skin when soy melts.
Special orders upon request.
Also available:
Oils, Tarts and Warmers We invite you to stop by and visit
Glenn pipkin, our neW leasinG aGent
Located at Barnyard Flea Market
Let Glenn help you select one of our three floor plans
Space C-20 & 21 to suit your housing needs.
1230 Pendleton Street | Downtown Columbia | 803 799-1442
803-532-1015 - Renee Black
26

27. 27

28. south carolina: so gay, so proud! SANTI THOMPSON
Some of you might recall the decision made so much more to offer traveling LGBT folks.
by Governor Mark Sanford’s office back in
July to retract state funding from a British Tourists would have encountered LGBT
advertisement agency selling South Carolina as organizations in every part of the state. Those
an ideal destination for LBGT tourists. touring the historic battery in Charleston would
have also learned about the efforts of Alliance
Taking a frequently uttered derogatory phrase for Full Acceptance, a LGBT organization
and making it into a statement of pride, the dedicated to expanding the civil rights of LGBT
advertisement portrayed South Carolina, in folks in South Carolina. Tourists interested in
addition to several other cities across the U.S., beaches would have found their way to Myrtle
as “so gay.” Beach. There, they could have visited the Center
Project, the LGBT community center for the
Alienated by being labeled gay, some Pee Dee region. In addition, they could have
state officials pulled the funds owed to the attended Myrtle Beach’s first Pride Festival since
advertisement agency and requested that 1998. Others, visiting the upstate area, would
the advertisements featuring South Carolina have heard about the services available for
be removed. But the story did not end there; LGBT youth through Affirm Youth and through
hopefully, you will also remember how South the work of Sean’s Last Wish (SLW). Inspired to
Carolina Pride Movement (SCPM) responded take action after the murder of her son Sean,
to the decision made by the governor’s office. Elke Kennedy and the volunteers of SLW have
Disappointed with the office’s actions, the created a campaign to promote tolerance and
organization responsible for producing the teach non-violent conflict resolution. SLW, like
annual Pride Festival in Columbia mobilized and the rest of the state’s LGBT organizations, works
created a counter campaign to raise the funds hard everyday to make South Carolina a better
promised to the British advertisement agency. place to live and to visit – and for that, we
With the generosity of countless individuals, should all be proud.
SCPM helped to keep the “South Carolina is so
gay” advertisement running – and for that, we Perhaps travelers would have found the
should all be proud. most activity among the LGBT community in
Columbia. Folks would have met Ray Drew,
While the press coverage from around the director of South Carolina Equality (SCE), the
country (and the world) was overwhelmingly statewide organization dedicated to promoting
supportive of our campaign to keep South equality for the LGBT community. Among the
Carolina “so gay,” those of us residing here efforts of SCE, Drew would have told them
often had to justify why we lived in a seemingly about the organization’s recent campaign to
intolerant and unsupportive environment. Some preserve a Gay Straight Alliance club at a local
people in other areas of the country saw the high school.
decision made by South Carolina state officials
as just another example of the backwards views Had they come in March, visitors could have
of an entire state – and to these people, the attended the SC Gay and Lesbian Business
LGBT citizens of South Carolina were left living Guild’s (SCGLBG) annual gala, which featured
with the consequences of such decisions. nationally recognized gay comedian Ant. The
SCGLBG also would have informed them of
But as news pundits and comedians joked about the numerous LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly
the incident, some of us living here recognized businesses, reaffirming the state’s capacity to
that South Carolina was not as anti-LGBT indeed be “so gay.”
as other people, particularly folks from the
governor’s office, were insinuating. In June, LGBT tourists could have attended the
SC Black Pride festival, the first to take place
For me, and for those involved in the LGBT in South Carolina. At the event, visitors would
community, South Carolina was “so gay” for have encountered a completely different side
reasons that far surpassed the state’s beautiful of pride, one that celebrates the black LGBT
scenery. Sure, we have nice beaches and a rich experience sometimes not reflected in other
history that piques the interest of a wide array of pride events.
tourists, gay and straight alike. But we also have
28

29. LGBT tourists might have also learned about the week of events culminating with the 2008
Old Lesbians Organizing for Change’s (OLOC) SC Pride Festival, remember that it is up to
regional conference that will take place in July each and every one of us to ensure that this
2009. Led by Carole Stoneking, Columbia’s state remains “so gay.” The community needs
chapter of OLOC is dedicated to addressing your help and there are plenty of ways to get
issues of aging in the LGBT community and involved. In the future, consider volunteering
creating a voice and outlet for older lesbians. some of your time to the local LGBT community
center or organization, donating funds to
Finally, folks undoubtedly would have LGBT candidates or those who campaign for
visited the Harriet Hancock Gay and Lesbian our causes, supporting cultural programs like
Community Center, which is operated by Rainbow Radio that promote LGBT visibility,
the SCPM and acts as the organization’s and encouraging your straight friends to
headquarters. There they would find a safe take a stand and become allies of the LGBT
place to learn more about the LGBT movement community. But for now, enjoy the thought-
in South Carolina and how the organization will provoking discussions, interesting films, and the
continue to expand the opportunities for LGBT exciting entertainment that the weeklong Pride
residents and visitors – and for that, we should celebration has to offer. And, in the back of
all be proud. your mind, remember how these events reflect
just why South Carolina is “so gay” – and why,
South Carolina is certainly worthy of the after the parties and picnics are over, we should
“so gay” label given to it by the British be proud not only to welcome visitors but also
advertisement agency. As you all gear up for to call this place our home.
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29

30. myrtle beach experiences gay pride CHRIS RUDSILL
I’m a Carolina boy through and through, attractions for everyone, some of the top
growing up in the Charlotte, N.C. area golf courses in the country, and some of
and spending my summers along the the best local seafood in the Southeast.
beaches of South Carolina. Today, I’m Brookgreen Gardens, two beautiful state
happy to call Myrtle Beach my home. parks, live shows and a thriving local
Looking back, I remember my first music scene are only a few of the many
Pride experience back in 2000 when I things you can find while visiting with us.
visited Atlanta, Ga. during their annual With a growing LGBT community, Myrtle
Pride Festival. I was participating in an Beach is also home to two longstanding
art exhibit featuring 14 artists from the gay bars that have served as cherished
Southeast, which was a watering holes and
visual commentary on our meeting spots for the
experiences of growing …A loving, gay community for nearly
up gay and/or lesbian in twenty years. The Center
the South. For me, the respectable group Project has found a home
weekend was two-fold. here as well, serving as
It was a time to recollect of citizens, an the LGBT Community
growing up in Metrolina Center serving the Grand
and it was my first openness to accept Strand and Pee Dee
weekend to experience regions of South Carolina
gay pride on a huge each other and a for over two years now.
scale.
sense of pride that To me, Pride is and
This year Myrtle Beach always has been about
held their first LGBT we all have for this celebration. Pride makes
Pride event in a decade, us visible in a world
since S.C. Pride visited stretch of sandy where we need visibility
our area back in 1998. I to ensure our equality.
wasn’t here then, but the coastline we call It shows that we are an
event received national important part of our
attention and drew an home. communities and South
estimated 5,000 to 8,000 Carolina. This week and
people to the Grand in the years that follow,
Strand. Just a few months ago, amidst let’s make sure we celebrate our lives –
the throngs of families visiting the beach, openly, honestly and proudly.
rainbow flags once again fluttered in
our downtown area and drew crowds of From Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand
LGBT, straight allies and families from area, happy pride South Carolina and
across the state. It showed me once again make sure to visit with us soon.
that we have a lot to be proud of as a
community – a loving, respectable group
of citizens, an openness to accept each
other and a sense of pride that we all Chris Rudisill writes a weekly column, “A
have for this stretch of sandy coastline we Gay in the Life” in the Weekly Surge (www.
call home. weeklysurge.com), Myrtle Beach’s free
alternative for entertainment, news and
The Grand Strand takes up sixty plus lifestyle information.
miles of gorgeous beaches, filled with
30

31. Derrick Norris
Independent Consultant
Consultant #532198
Serving All of South Carolina
Call me today to book a Cooking Show or
Catalog Show and Earn FREE Products!
Cell: 864-494-6622
E-mail: derricknc@hotmail.com
Website: www.pamperedchef. biz/derrick
OLD LESBIANS ORGANIZING FOR CHANGE
rn eeting
aste nal M older)
the gio s &
Sou Re year
LOCbians 60
O es , SC
(L otel lumbia
nH o
lario eet, C 2009
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S 19,
e rvais 7, 18,
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161 reet ld Lesbe
t, G g
Meend for O Chan
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e Ba g f
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for details: stonekg@aol.com
31

32. Proud supporters of gay and
lesbian pride in South Carolina.
On Newsstands Every Wednesday
www.free-times.com
32

33. AMNESTY
INTERNATIONAL
 SUPPORTS

 SC PRIDE 2008!

LGBT RIGHTS ARE



 HUMAN RIGHTS!

 www.amnestyusa.org










celebrating five years!
WOLLENBERG PROUDLY
RECORDS PRESENTS
SHOWING GAY PRIDE
OFF HIS S E P T E M B E R
20
SEE THE AWARD WINNING FOLK ROCKER
PERFORM AT SOUTH CAROLINA PRIDE 2008
www.wollenbergrecords.com
www.myspace.com/richardcortez
33

34. South Carolina
Chapters of
NATIONAL
ORGANIZATION
FOR WOMEN
“Proud to be a SC Pride Supporter for 19 Years”
SC NOW STATE CONFERENCE
October 11th, 2008
Spartanburg Unitarian Universalist Church
Spartanburg, SC
For more information on the conference and attendance contact us at:
southcarolinanow@gmail.com
To join National Organization for Women visit now.org or call (202) 628-8669
34

35. Proud supporters of
Gay and Lesbian Pride
in South Carolina
1410 Colonial Life Blvd � 731-8500
35

36. thank you
MAJOR SPONSORS
Proud supporters of gay and
lesbian pride in South Carolina.
On Newsstands Every Wednesday
www.free-times.com
FRIENDS OF PRIDE
Robert Barnes and Jerry Kelly
Angela DeBruhl
Todd Dunbar
Robin Ridgell and Marla Wood
Nekki Shutt and Sheila Clause
Peter Webb
Shehan Welihindha
Lauren Wilson
Ryan Wilson
The Dads: Bruce Converse and Michael VanDiver
36

37. special thanks
SC PRIDE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE CLUBS THAT HELPED TO RAISE AWARENESS
AND PROMOTE PRIDE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR:
The Alley Café, Club Fusion, H2O, The “L” Word, Patrick’s, PT’s Cabaret,
PT’s 1109, The Cove, Time Out, You Never Know (YNK).
IN ADDITION, THANKS GOES TO PERFORMERS WHO FUNDRAISED AND
PROMOTED SC PRIDE 2008 including former Pride Queens Elaine Davis,
Paris LeFaris, Kiki Merlot, Patti O’Furniture, Nicole Roberts, and Chanel
Stevens, members of PT’s Cabarettes, Former Pride King Justin Case and
members of the Cabaret Kings.
WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK
Garden of Grace United Church of Christ,
Nickelodeon Theatre, SC Black Pride.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE PRIDE 2008 COORDINATORS GLENN PIPKIN AND
JENNIFER TAGUE
THANK YOU 2008 PRIDE COMMITTEE
Robin Biro, MacKenzie Fraser-Bub, Bruce Converse, Angela DeBruhl,
Jennifer Early, Harriet Hancock, Nick Kask, Ricky Loera, Ed Madden,
Anne McCue, Clay Owens, Pat Patterson, Anna Russell, Tony Snell,
Tamera Tedder, Peg Thompson, Santi Thompson, Michael VanDiver, and
Ryan Wilson.
With so many people to thank, we inevitably left out someone.
Please excuse any omission.
Thank you to the board and volunters of the SC Pride Movement and the
Hariet Hancock Center. We want to extend our very special thanks to all
the volunteers who make the work of the SC Pride Movement and Pride
possible.
2008 Pride Guide prepared by Santi Thompson and Ryan Wilson with assistance from
Travis Ferrell, Ed Madden, Carole Stoneking, and the board and volunteers of the South
Carolina Pride Movement. Special thanks to Nick Kask of Kask Creativity for designing
the 2008 Pride Guide.
37

38. sc pride annual awards
COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
City of Columbia Pearl Osburne and Julie Ruff
Last year’s partner of the year was Mayor Bob
Coble.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AWARD
Holly Moore
ED MADDEN MEDIA ADVOCACY
Matt Comer, Q-Notes DESIGNING WITH PRIDE AWARD
Last year’s Madden Award recipient was Dan Cook,
Free Times editor. TBA
HARRIET HANCOCK VOLUNTEER HERITAGE AWARD
OF THE YEAR Santi Thompson
Bruce Converse and
Candace Chellew-Hodge ORDER OF THE PINK PALMETTO
Past winners of the Hancock Award have included: Chuck Archie
Walter Bonnett, Beth Chapman, Bill Dalton,
Bert Easter, Kate Goodrich, Kristen Gregory, Jim
Griggers, Don Hair, Bob Hall, Kyira Karrigan, Alvin
“STRAIGHT BUT NOT NARROW”
McEwen, Paula Skedsvold, Shara Styles, Peter AWARD
Tepley, Peg Thompson, Matt Tischler, Blanchard Tommy Gordon
Williams, Angela Wilson, Sheila Wood, and many
others.
HaRRiet Hancock coMMunity
centeR awaRds:
PRIDE FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR:
TBA BEST CENTER EVENT AWARD
Fundraiser for six years in a row was PT’s.
Dining With Friends
(Co-sponsored by: Robin Biro, Mackenzie Fraser-
PRIDE VOLUNTEER ENTERTAINER Bub, and Stephen Creed)
OF THE YEAR
Angela DeBruhl and Jennifer Early CENTER GUARDIAN AWARD
Past winners of the Volunteer Entertainer have
included: Kiki Merlot, Patti O’Furniture, Brian
Glenn Pipkin
Oxendine, and Nicole Roberts.
HARRIET HANCOCK CENTER AWARD
RYAN WILSON EQUALITY AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
David Collier Tony Snell
Last year’s equality award given to Ryan Wilson.
VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR
SOUTH CAROLINA HERO Ricky Loera
Sheriff Leon Lott Holly Moore
Matthew Morris
TONY SNELL LEADERSHIP AWARD Glenn Pipkin
Ryan Wilson Troy Tague
Past winners of the Snell Award have included:
Bert Easter, Kate Goodrich, Don Hair, Ed Madden,
Michael VanDiver, and Blanchard Williams.
VILLAIN AWARD:
UNSUNG HERO “SO GAY” AWARD
Jennifer Tague Governor Mark Sanford
and State Senator David Thomas
38

39. 39

40. Supporting SC's GLBT community
through the world of film
since 1979
The Nickelodeon Theatre
937 Main Street @ Pendleton
www.nickelodeon.org
40

41. YOUrHiStOrY, YOUrHOME, YOUrHOPE
The Harriet Hancock Center
for the Gay & Lesbian Community
of South Carolina
1108 Woodrow Street | Columbia SC
www.scpride.org
803.771.7713
41

42. become a member
TheTHarriet Hancock Community Center
Hhe H C
arriet ancock enter
for the Gay & Lesbian Community
of South Carolina
Home of the SC Pride Movement
1108 Woodrow Street | Columbia SC 29205
(803) 771-7713 | www.scpride.org
membership information
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY STATE ZIP
TELEPHONE
EMAIL
membership level
O Active Member $25 ($10 Students & Special Needs)
O Sustaining Member $100
O Patron $250
O Guardian $500
O Pride Member $1000
O Other $_______
You may also donate monthly.
Members who wish to give monthly may build up to a higher membership level over the
year. This giving plan also enables us to meet the monthly bills at the Center.
I would like to donate monthly and begin my pledge with this gift of $ _________ .
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM AND YOUR CHECK/MONEY ORDER TO
SC PRIDE
PO BOx 12648
COLUMBIA SC 29211
42

43. AIDS BENEFIT
FOUNDATION
OF SOUTH
CAROLINA
PRESENTS:
Black Tie to Blue Jeans
as Long as You Sparkle!
DECEMBER 31, 2008 � The the SC State Museum
at
Columbia Mills Building
For tickets visit www.abfsc.org.
43

44. The
City of Columbia
Welcomes
2008 South Carolina
Gay and Lesbian Pride Celebration