by ken knox
BACK FLYING HIGH WITH THE CENTER OC
BRINGING INDIGO
The Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange County prepares for the return of its annual Indigo Ball.
According to Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange
County Executive Director Kevin O’Grady, an old “husband’s tale” about the origins of the Indigo Ball indicates that rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker was something of an editor at heart. He changed things around to accommodate changing times or to make it easier for others to benefit from the flag’s design, which is something that O’Grady and the planning committee behind the Center’s annual Indigo Ball know a little something about. “Like most non- profits, the Center has held some form of gala for decades,” he says. “Over time they differed, we’ve done everything from casino nights and big band themes to hiring a DJ or go-go boys and girls who put people in ‘jail’ for charity. About three years ago, the event was re-branded as the Indigo Ball. As I was told, indigo was in the original gay pride flag and taken out, so the gala is our way of “putting the indigo back in gay.” But I’ve never been able to verify that story, so your guess is as good as mine when it comes to why.” O’Grady is not mistaken. A quick search for “creation of the rainbow flag”
reveals that San Francisco artist Baker did originally include indigo in his design for the flag used to symbolize gay pride. But, along with hot pink, it was removed due to the unavailability of correct colors in certain regions of the country and replaced with the easier-to-find royal blue. Some associate the color blue with depression or anxiety, though it actually signifies serenity and harmony, which couldn’t be more appropriate for a gala intended to celebrate
“Thebottom line is, we can’t do the work we do without oursupporters.
Thelights wouldn’t get
turned on,salaries wouldn’t get paid andprograms wouldn’t run.”
14 RAGE monthly | APRIL 2014
the important donors and volunteers. People whose gifts of time, services, goods and money support an organization known for bringing fulfillment to the gay community. “I love having our donors in one place so I can thank them personally,” O’Grady enthuses. “The bottom line is, we can’t do the work we do without our supporters. The lights wouldn’t get turned on, salaries wouldn’t get paid and programs wouldn’t run. This is our opportunity to offer a personal thank you and let our donors see the impact they are making in the community.” With an “aerodynamic” theme in place to signify that both the Center and
the gay movement have taken flight, the planners again chose Santa Ana’s Lyon Air Museum as the site for this year’s ball. Honorees include both Rich Cook of MenAlive and Sandra Hartness of Human Rights Campaign with Torchbearer Awards, including a cappella group Bel Canto of MenAlive and comedienneJudy Tenuta to entertain guests. “We worked hard last year to plan an event that could stand beside any Los
Angeles area fundraiser and we did it,” O’Grady exclaims, pointing to 2013’s ball, which was also held at the museum. The event had the distinction of being the first Indigo Ball attended by an Orange County reserve sheriff, Lieutenant Michael Losquadro, who was honored for his longtime support of the Center. “We received almost universal praise, so this year we are aiming to make things more fun and provide a more exciting experience [with the theme of flying].” In other words, perhaps now is as good a time as any to give some attention
to this particular blue ball by joining the Center’s “Mile High” donor’s club. “We really want people to come and learn about the amazing work we are doing at the Center,” O’Grady says. “[The Center staff consists of] amazing, dedicated, skilled professionals who are heroes working on a daily basis to improve our community. I could never thank them enough, but the Indigo Ball gives me and our supporters a fun excuse to try.”
The Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center’sIndigo Ball will be held onSaturday, April 26 at the Lyon Air Museum, 19300 Ike Jones Road in Santa Ana. For tickets and more informa- tion, call 714.953.5428 or
visitthecenteroc.org
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