Likewise, the fiery rock and soul dance diva, Debby Holiday, performs on Saturday. We also
spoke with her about pride and asked what she thinks gay fans connect to?
Debby Holiday: I think that the gay community connects with reality. I had a
very life affirming childhood. My dad, Jimmy Holiday was not the easiest man on
the planet and at 16, I found that my real mother gave me up. I think with anyone
who has to go through adversity that we end up finding each other later. You con-
nect with people that understand who are from a little bit left of center, or at least,
perceived center. It takes strength to overcome some of that crap. It takes a lot to
say, “hey, screw you, this is me” and you’re faced with it, “I’m not shrinking to fit.”
I went to march and spoke up as loudly as I could to oppose Prop. 8. I will never
understand inequality in any sense whether it’s black, female, gay or straight.
The whole idea is suppose to be that you’re able to make your own decisions in
America, more often than not. Sometimes, especially if you watch certain TV sta-
tions, it scares me that people can still have that kind of process in this day and age.
It’s like some people have been programmed, going by what their families taught.
I feel that at some point and certain age in their life I expect people to investigate
things more on their own without all the dogma, especially nowadays when there
are ways to get out of one’s tunnel-vision life. After a recent tour in The Republic of
Georgia with Omar Torres, I have been especially cognizant of the fact that we’re
so frickin’ spoiled here! They don’t have markets or sidewalks. They are very basic
and are the most generous people. Our first night we were in Gourde in a show for
about a 1,000 children under 18 who had never seen a live performance of music.
They flipped out and rushed the stage. They all came up and I was holding kids as I
sang “At Last,” by Etta James. It was wonderful.
Rage: Maybe you should sing that at L.A. Pride?
DH: Hey, thank you, that’s a great idea! I love singing that song! Now you can
look forward to me singing “At Last” at L.A. Pride! (laughter)
As if the phenomenal Fantasia and Debby Holiday weren’t enough, Saturday’s main stage will also feature other great acts like the
talented trio of Nikki 16 and the dance hit wonder Deborah Cox, emceed by the hilarious Billy Masters and Momma. After the parade on
Sunday, why not head back to the festival for another amazing day of performances that will pull out all the stops? Emcees Ben Patrick
Johnson and Marcellas Reynolds start the day off right with Jimmy Clabots, electronica/pop group Smart Set, Taxi Doll led by lead singer,
sex bomb Dhana, the raw talent of Leah Driscoll and melodic magic of Carmen Carter. Keeping the crowd moving into the night, emcees
Momma and Billy Masters return to the main stage with the up-and-coming act, Syesha Mercad and the American Idol finalists, Blake
Lewis. The party continues with the record-breaking dance/pop trio, Exposé. The nonstop weekend-long line up wraps up with the multi-
platinum 1980s hit wonder, Berlin for a truly fun, memorable and life-changing finale that you won’t want to miss! More information and
tickets are available online at
lapride.org for only $15.00 advance purchase or $20.00 at the festival gate.
June 2009 | RAGE monthly 7
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