Chester County History Center was filled with OUTFest Rally Attendees.
WEST CHESTER — Hundreds of Chester County residents gathered Saturday at the Chester County History Center for a rally in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. The event featured local elected officials, community leaders, and local advocates. The rally was held in response to the cancellation of a planned OUTFest street festival due to hate filled emails sent to West Chester Borough Council. The rally filled the History Center to capacity, causing some attendees to participate from outside.
The event included face painting, music, and an impromptu sing a-long led by Rev. Dan Schatz, Unitarian Congregation of WC. Additionally, representatives from New Pennsylvania Project, Free Mom Hugs, and West Chester Alliance for Social Justice were there to offer opportunities to register to vote and sign up to volunteer.
Organization of the event was herculean given the accelerated timeline to plan and execute an event of this size. Volunteers and advocates pulled together in a show of solidarity with the LBGTQIA+ community.
Volunteered services ranged from the donation of the sound equipment by Rich Eagles and DJ services provided by Bridgette Barbera-Byrne (one of the organizers of the original cancelled OUTFest Street Festival), to the donations of pride flags from Haley Yanson and business decorations by Laura Kaplan.
(Left to Right): Chris Pielli, Chester County Recorder of Deeds, Representative Dan Williams (74th Legislative District), Emily Arnold, West Chester Alliance for Social Justice , Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste of West Chester, Carrie Stare, President, LGBT Alliance of Chesco, Rev. Dr. Tracy Saletta, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, Rev. Sophia Foutres, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Joshua Young, Caln Township Commissioner, Eddy Foster, OUTFest Organizer, Rev. Dan Schatz, Unitarian Congregation of West Chester, Fanci Dismount, Miss Chester County Pride 2020, Bridgette Barbera-Byrne, Daryl Durnell, West Chester Area School District Board Member, Sibil Mae Greiner
Speakers at the event included event organizers Eddy Foster, Commissioner Josh Maxwell, and Carrie Stare, as well as notable elected officials Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste, Representative Dan Williams, Chester County Recorder of Deeds Chris Pielli, WCASD Member Daryl Durnell, and Caln Twp Commissioner Joshua Young. Blair Thornburgh, Rev. Sophia Foutres and Rev. Dr. Tracy Saletta from Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Emily Arnold with the West Chester Alliance for Social Justice, Sibil Mae Greiner, Rev. Dan Schatz of the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester, Bridgette Barbera-Byrne, and Miss Chester County Pride 2020 Fanci Dismount also addressed the crowd. At the end of the remarks Roxanne Rohls was crowned the new Miss Chester County Pride 2022.
In his opening remarks, Eddy Foster welcomed the rally goers and spoke to the motivation for organizing the event.
“There are people who do not want this day to happen, but our community has a long history of overcoming adversity. Today is no exception.”
Mayor Lilliam DeBaptiste spoke to the need to continue to fight for equality.
“West Chester is defined by loving people. Our council people are here today in support. No matter what skin you’re in [what’s yours] doesn’t come easy. You have to fight for it. That is where we are today. We are in a fight for our rights, and that means we have to stand up and be counted.”
Emily Arnold with the West Chester Alliance for Social Justice addressed the need to speak out against hate.
“When we don’t speak out, we’re leaving a space in the conversation. A space where hate can sow its seed. We can’t leave space to hear both sides when one side is hate. When we stay silent, we’re allowing that space for hate to exist. Even if it gets uncomfortable, I’ll continue to speak up. That’s why a group of us came together to create the West Chester Alliance for Social Justice. Let’s create a West Chester where we can take back the space when the hate creeps in.”
In their remarks to the crowd, Bridget Bridgette Barbera-Byrne felt it important to speak directly to the youth present.
“My message today, first to the youth and young adults who are here, as someone who has dedicated the majority of my life to youth development work, keep being you, keep being unique. Find your tribe of people who are going to accept you, support you, challenge you, protect you, and stand up for you when you cannot find the words.”
After the rally concluded, the crowd joined with those waiting outside for a march through downtown West Chester. The march left the History Center on High Street and proceeded along Gay Street to New Street. The march continued up Market Street, past the Chester County Justice Center, and ended at the Split Rail Tavern on Walnut Street. Split Rail then hosted a party including drag performances by Roxanne Rohls and Ophelia Bawdy, dedicating all proceeds to The Trevor Project.
Participants and Organizers:
Eddy Foster, OUTfest Organizer
Lillian DeBaptiste, Mayor of West Chester
Josh Maxwell, Chester County Commissioner
Blair Thornburgh, Author
State Representative Dan Williams, 74th Legislative District
Rev. Sophia Foutres & Rev. Dr. Tracy Saletta, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship
Daryl Durnell, West Chester Area School District School Board
Emily Arnold, West Chester Alliance for Social Justice
Chris Pielli, Chester County Recorder of Deeds
Sibil Mae Greiner
Rev. Dan Schatz, Unitarian Church of WC
Bridgette Barbera-Byrne, Co-organizer of cancelled OUTFest Street Festival
Joshua Young, Caln Twp Commissioner
Fanci Dismount, Miss Chester County Pride 2020
Carrie Stare, President, LGBT Alliance of Chesco
