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A promoter of tourism in a Colorado ski town has stirred up a controversy among local residents after posting a warning to potential visiting families about the city's Gay Ski Week.
Al Heirich runs an online guide to Telluride, Colo., offering information about the town, its skiing, lodging and restaurants. Telluride is a world-class ski resort with a population of about 3,000.
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2 comments:
Ah... a "gift" for me today, eh Alia? You know Telluride is my home away from home.
I knew about this promotional event coming up. Personally I found it offensive - just as offensive as I find Disneyland's Gay days, black entertainment networks, etc. I plain hate reverse discrimination.
But I hardly expected such hoo-hah from the T-Ride natives. In fact, I'm not sure there is such an uproar, but one manufactured by the press. They're all pretty mellow there.
And frankly I think most of them, if they actually comprehend what Al is saying (who knows with today's grads?) they would be quick to agree with his perceptions.
If you've ever been to this historic mining town, it is made up of some of the old timers around since the beginning, and a new flood of new age "deadheads", so to speak. Very Berkley in dress, more piercings and tattoos than typical Deadheads. And all are nature freaks and athletes. The summer offers hiking, mountain biking, cliff climbing, gliding and hot air ballooning. The winters? Great ski resort with lots of intermediate runs, many double diamonds and a big "boarding" (as in snow boarding) population.
Something it is not is a city of "division". Granted, they are a bastion of Blue... but hey.. most are young college age and not much above. Their trend to "love the one you're with" is to be expected at that age, as it was with ours.
But what I know and feel about the town is best said by Al in a letter on the same subject last year. Uh... where was the press then? Dunno.... Then again, you know the MSM. A dollar late and entering screaming to make it sound "fresh".
This letter was published last year by T-Ride's Daily Planet, but they refuse to print this year. Below is the text.
"Dear Editor,
Last winter I was assisting a potential visitor to Telluride on the Internet. During our chat (which covered everything from dining to the best ski runs), he mentioned he was gay and was interested if there were any gay bars in Telluride. For a moment I was befuddled. Gay bars in Telluride?
I began to explain him that here in Telluride we don't really need separate bars for separate lifestyles. I described the Buck, OB's and the Sheridan, where everyone is welcome, regardless. He thought that was the coolest thing. A place where everyone was equal, no labels or stereotypes. A community built on tolerance and individuality? Really?
He came here, skied the hill, enjoyed the locals, spent money and upon his return, emailed me a nice thank you and a promise he would return with more of his "friends".
I guess everything changes in time. The recent Gay Ski Week controversy is so far off the track, it is embarrassing. It's not about whether gay tourists come here and visit, nor is it about the fact that those opposed to homosexuality might stay away if we have a Gay Ski Week. It's about Telluride losing it's unique ability to blend.
I hear and read the liberal rant of how those opposed to a Gay Ski Week are homophobic, intolerant and hateful. I'm against Gay Ski Week and not because of any moral or religious belief. I'm against it because we are now so desperate for tourists that we feel the need to label groups or individuals. A weird desire to accept them while we make them stand out. Frankly, I don't care if it's Gays, Blacks, Jews, Hippies or angry white men. In the past, we have been able to welcome them all without the need for labels or special weeks.
The only real purpose of labeling a group is to make those doing the labeling feel good about themselves. "Look at me, look at me, I'm a tolerant liberal", the labelers proclaim. When what they are really saying is, "I am just too damn stupid to look beyond the society-created label and accept this person as a human being". It is just so hypocritical.
So, let's dump Gay Ski Week ( and any other week that further separates us) and break down the barriers the rest of the world embraces. Let's return to our roots and live our daily lives with true tolerance and true equality to all of our visitors. Our actions as hosts to all of our guests, regardless of what they like to do or what they believe is the best advertising available. Haven't we Telluridians evolved more than this?
Freedom (to be who we are without labels)
Al Heirich"
I'm not sure if the results of this online poll at Al's site are mostly locals, or of WMD readers. But this is certain. Most don't have a problem with either side of the issue.
Uh, does that make it another "non-issue"?
Have a scan at the results yourself.
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