Gaston County residents to see Gay Pride Weekend

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Gaston County will see a pride parade and other events this weekend for the Gay Pride Weekend.

Organizers expect between 500 and 700 people will take part in the three-day event starting with the march down Main Avenue on Friday. 

People opposed to the event said it shouldn't happen in Gaston County.

"We are just really excited," said organizer Robert Kellogg.

Gaston Pride posted a countdown online to the start of the event.

It will look similar to the pride parade in Charlotte, a long way from downtown Gastonia, where church bells chime out hymns every day.

Some downtown business owners said Gay Pride Weekend doesn't belong here.

"I just would rather they keep it quiet and to themselves. That's my opinion of how they should live their lives," said business owner Skip McPhail.

Kellogg said the event is about allowing people to feel welcome -- to be themselves in their own community.

"This is their home. They want something to be able to celebrate who they are," Kellogg said.

He said these events will do that. There will be a pride picnic, beer and hymns, a drag show and a "Gay Conversations with God" book reading.

"There are some events that will not be for everybody," Kellogg said. "I know that in Gaston County there are some things that may not be accepted by some folks."

The owner of a downtown hair salon said Gaston Gay Pride Weekend is good for the area.

"A community of tolerance and like I said different cultures coming together that's what's important down here," said Sue Ann Robb.

 The pastor of Unity Baptist Church said this is bad in the eyes of God.

"It's a temptation to turn away from the teachings of God according to of scripture," said Pastor Roger Mathis.

He said God loves all people, but the Gay Pride Weekend is not pleasing to him.

Police will be present during the march. They do not expect to see a lot of protestors.

Organizers said most of their events will be at private locations so if there are any problems, the trouble makers can be forced to leave.

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