Human rights advocacy group seeks answers from Palm Springs Pride after parade rejection
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A local human rights advocacy group is raising questions after being denied participation in the Palm Springs Pride Parade for the second consecutive year, as organizers explain their decision and the group pushes back.
This year's parade carries the theme "Be Included," but members of CODEPINK, a grassroots organization focused on human rights and peace activism, say they are not feeling that same sense of inclusion.
"I think they have a narrowing definition of what inclusion is. It only applies to certain groups," said Jane Dodd, a CODEPINK volunteer.
Dodd said the group first encountered issues with Greater Palm Springs Pride organizers last year, when its application was initially approved before that decision was reversed.
"We turned in an application and got approved within the hour, then by the end of the day we were unapproved. They said the parade was full but yet the application was still open," Dodd said.
At the time, according to CODEPINK, organizers cited the group's late entry and the size of the parade as reasons it could not participate.
However, CODEPINK shared emails and application receipts with News Channel 3 that the group says contradict those explanations.
This year, the organization decided to apply again, hoping for a different outcome.
Dodd said the group initially received no explanation about the status of its application.
"I haven't heard one word," Dodd said.
That changed Wednesday. News Channel 3 received a statement from deHarte explaining the organization's decision.
According to deHarte, CODEPINK's proposed entry did not meet parade guidelines requiring participants to communicate a clear message supporting or celebrating LGBTQ+ rights, achievements and culture.
However, Dodd questioned how those guidelines are being applied to different organizations participating in the parade.
"I know groups like Planned Parenthood are going to be in the parade. So how do they fit and we don't fit?" Dodd said.
In his statement, deHarte also pointed to concerns raised by Jewish LGBTQ+ community members and their supporters who expressed fears about their safety during the celebration.
Dodd pushed back on those concerns and questioned how CODEPINK's advocacy is being interpreted.
"To say it's anti-Semitic to say it's wrong to bomb children, I don't know what that has to do with religion," Dodd said.
Despite the rejection, Dodd said CODEPINK still plans to take part in Pride festivities, even if the organization is not permitted to march in the parade.
Full statement from Greater Palm Springs Pride President and CEO Ron deHarte
"Greater Palm Springs Pride remains dedicated to protecting our community, fostering unity, and ensuring our parade remains a safe platform for LGBTQ+ visibility, advocacy, and celebration.
Greater Palm Springs Pride is committed to organizing an inclusive, celebratory space that honors, protects,and advances the rights, history, and safety of our LGBTQ+ community and all our allies.
While our parade guidelines invite participants to express diverse perspectives on culture, politics, and society,all entries must align with the foundational purpose of our event.
Individuals or organizations that support or celebrates the rights, achievements, culture, and aspirations of LGBTQ people is welcome to participate. Entries must communicate a clear message of support or celebration relating to LGBTQ people.
After reviewing the proposed entry from Code Pink, and seeing social media posts about their Greater Palm Springs Pride participation, we determined that the entry did not meet this core requirement. While Code Pink engages in broader political advocacy, parade entries are strictly required to convey an explicit, central message focused on supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Furthermore, Greater Palm Springs Pride has heard the serious concerns voiced by Jewish LGBTQ+ community members and their non-Jewish supporters who have expressed fear for their safety as parade participants and spectators. We take these concerns deeply to heart.
We stand firmly against harassment, intimidation, and anti-Semitism in any form. We acknowledge concerns, and we are committed to taking concrete action working closely with community leaders, safety liaisons, and law enforcement to ensure that our parade remains a safe, welcoming, and secure environment where all people including Jewish members of our community and their friends can celebrate Pride free from harm or threat.
Because Code Pink's entry did not center on celebrating LGBTQ+ rights and achievements as required by our guidelines, and to uphold our commitment to maintaining a safe space for all community members, the entry could not be accepted for this year’s parade."
