Fear & Loathing: On the Pride Trail—Part 1

So this Sunday was the 1st of June in the year of 2025. Which kicks off, Pride Month. It follows Military Appreciation Month (May). So this starts Pride events in NEPA. Your’s truly being NEPA’s ONLY openly transgender elected official, has to make appearances at many events. 

First: SCRANTON’S FLAG PRIDE RAISING AT CITY HALL. 

Scranton City Hall for June.

This event was perhaps the most poorly timed for the LGBTQ+ community who stay up late on Saturday. I mean, Sir Elton John, told us—Saturday night is ‘alright for fighting!!! 

The event was at the unholy hour for an atheist like myself—10:30 AM!!! 

But I did make it JUST in time from Coolbaugh Township. Wearing one of my dirndls (That’s a traditional German & Austrian dress, often seen at Oktoberfest events). This event had both NexStar (Eyewitness News) as well as WNEP in attendance. A fair sized crowd weathering the chilly cloudy morning. Probably an equally sized crowd of seniors were warm having brunch down the block in, Abe’s, as I passed by trying to make the event in time. 

The crowd for the Scranton Pride flag raising.

Officials in attendance were: City Council President Gerald Smurl (who was working to help put the event on preparing the flag and pole), Councilwoman Dr. Jessica Rothchild, and Mayor Paige Cognetti. (I guess I was the only other elected office holder there. But obviously not from the city proper. Unless I missed any other sitting council members. But I’m certain I did not). Neither Lackawanna County State Senator nor their staff were seen. And unlike the Irish flag event in March. No Rob & Chelsea in sight for the 8th Congressional District. 

Dr. Rothchild and family watch the Pride flag go up. 

Nor any Democratic state representatives from the county were in attendance. (Did the organizers not invite any of them? Or did they not feel it was important to embrace pride? Perhaps ask your representatives). 

Two council candidates stood towards the back of the crowd, but clearly not together. Probably a good ten feet apart with people between them. The top vote earner in the primary by nearly a thousand votes, Patrick Flynn. As well as second place winner, Sean McAndrew. 

McAndrew tried to say hello to me. But being I am a petty bitch, I actually ignored him. I have problems with a campaign run by one of the Republican Rogans, (Pat Rogan). I will admit that was petty and small of me. But it is what it is. (Go Phillies, Braves suck, Pat!!!)

Pane & Virgil were not there. Rightfully so. 

Only Mayor Cognetti and Dr. Rothchild spoke as city officials. The rest of the speakers were mostly political organizers from local groups like: Pennsylvania Policy Center, Queer NEPA, and NEPA Stands Up. I appreciate any and all groups who advocate for the community and cause. BUT!!!! (Yes, a but). Pleases don’t bring up Israel & Palestine at a pride event. It’s NOT the appropriate venue. 

The person who did this, was in passing at the end of their remarks. I appreciate generally all this person does in politics and organizing. But I found this to be highly inappropriate for the event on hand. Not to mention, it aged poorly this day with what happened in, Colorado. Don’t bring this toxic subject into pride. We (the LGBTQ+ community) are already fighting an attack against us here by our own government. Brining this war into the pride discussion will only divide not unite for our own fight here. 

But that’s all I have to say on this subject. 

Also, Marty Flynn (cousin of Patrick Flynn) took a few shots from speakers over, SB9 and his foolish vote FOR a Republican messaging bill. Which even by Marty’s own admission. Will NEVER get a vote in the state house. Puzzling why even vote on that bill. Especially when so many Democrats with deep pockets from: Green Ridge, Dunmore, and the Abingtons are now furious at you. It opens the door for a well funded primary opponent. 

It was nice to see the few friends who were able to be there so early, Sunday. 

Then it was off to race down 380 back to the Poconos, and down to, Pocono Pride Fest. Held in Courthouse Square in the borough of, Stroudsburg. 

NEXT: POCONO PRIDE, STROUDSBURG.

Parking for this event was way harder than, Scranton. It was warmer, and sunnier in Stroudsburg. With a MASSIVE crowd that came out early. This is a crowd bigger cities like Wilkes-Barre would hope to draw. Pocono Pride Fest, is well organized and promoted. Erik Diemer (also the elected Monroe County Controller-D), does an incredible job promoting and running the event. So many vendors—food, crafts, and services. Many local agencies (government and nonprofit) were on hand. 

Whilst both State Representatives Tarah Probst-D, and Maureen Madden-D, were clearly in attendance with staff to speak to constituents. Clearly absent was, State Senator Rosemary Brown-R (who’s district is all of Monroe County and half of Lackawanna). It’s as if she is clearly telling us, she doesn’t give a flying fuck about the LGBTQ+ community. Remember this next year when she carpet bags a table for her re-election votes next spring. (She also voted for SB9). 

My plan was to just make a quick appearance at Pocono Pride Fest. Since I have a dog with cancer at home, who was not out yet when I left. And an aging mother. however being “fast” did not go to plan. As it seemed every few minutes I would hear someone yelling “CARA!!!”. To find more friends I didn’t expect to encounter. Several from my career in law enforcement, including a longtime law enforcement family with a transgender son. 

So please don’t shit on law enforcement being a shallow part of pride. I had to put up with LOTS of homophobic and transphobic abuse during my career. Especially during my time at the Pennsylvania State Police where several troopers and one dispatcher OFTEN hurled transphobic and homophobic slurs. Especially during the start of COVID when Dr. Levine’s daily press conferences on TV—Caused one dispatcher to hurl vile insults at the TV about her (Dr. Levine) transgender identity. 

Dr. Levine had many flaws in the COVID outbreak but “Fuck you, you were born with a dick”, not what I thought she did wrong during the outbreak. Because for them—it wasn’t about the job performance—it was about their bigotry. Just like my infamous TikTok video. It was never about my outburst on a bad day—it was only about my gender identity. 

Which is why I was thrilled to also see people from law enforcement who were NOT that dispatcher. Lots of hugs were given out by me. (And I am not a big touchy feely person. a hug from me is a big deal). 

Monroe County Sheriff Nick Cirranello with his deputy dog, at Pocono Pride. 

As for all the local Democrats I saw there, I have a post for them coming up. Because the clear rift and feuding post primary was impossible not to miss. Especially for someone like myself who seems to have good friends on both sides. 

Finally after about two and a half hours. My “quick appearance” came to an end. However on my way out, I encountered a lone bigot in the name of “Jesus”. Megaphone in hand with poorly worded sign. Dressed all in red (isn’t that Lucifer’s color?). Apparently not just “tranny people” and “homos” are going to hell. But so are, “Sports-nuts”. 

Party Pooper

Wait, “Sports-nuts”? That would be every Philadelphia sports fan. Hey dude, don’t tease me with a good time! Now I want to stop being an atheist, so I can believe in this fun place where I will never have to shovel snow. And apparently everyday is an Eagles home game. I think the late, Bill Hicks, told us all the great rock stars would be playing there for eternity too. 

But I’m sure if there is a hell. It’s the bigoted pot free world, Senator Rosemary Brown dreams of. Because an eternity in that Christian Mingle dream land—is a fucking nightmare.