Something that came to my attention this evening...
The local HRC crew has started an event known as Equality First Friday. From their 4/3 event Facebook invite, here's its stated purpose:
Join HRC Greater Cincinnati on the first Friday of every month as we travel to a new Greater Cincinnati/Dayton destination to meet new friends and bring the message of HRC to the community!Now I'm not one to cause problems, but I just have a question: given the recent press and success of Guerrilla Queer Bar -- which is stated as happening on the first Friday of every month -- why would they post a competing event with a similar stated purpose? Overall, it's a great idea. I applaud the HRC for utilizing Facebook to bring a younger crowd into their organization and find "new blood," but I'm not sure the wisdom of directly challenging another event.
We have a small community in town, let's be honest about that, and, though I would like to believe that we have enough people to drink and dance at more than one big event, I get the impression that the crowd they are trying to reach is the same that goes to CGQB.
I'm sure it was just a mistake. And, to make a suggestion, would it be, perhaps, prudent to have a Final Friday event, rather than First Friday? That way, if Queer Bar does, for whatever reason, take a nosedive at some point, you've branded that evening as your own without stepping on anyone's toes. And, of course, meet with Ethan and the Queer Bar organizers too see what's up and how best to work together.
I hear there's a meeting this week between the two, so I'll be curious to see how it goes.
After the comment that came through, I wanted to clarify a point that isn't as clear above: this seems like a great chance for the HRC to reach out and work together with an existing movement. It comes across as competitive, however. That is, in short, my point.
