Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Sarah Mamula
Talk Radio News Service

The Capital Pride Alliance celebrated it’s 35th anniversary on Wednesday night at a cocktail party held at the trendy Zentan Restaurant located in The Donovan House in downtown Washington, D.C..

What started as a block party in 1975 in front of the LGBT bookstore, Lambda Rising, formerly north of Dupont Circle, has grown into one of the nation’s largest gay pride celebrations.

“History really demonstrates our growth and our diversity and the strength and visibility of the GLBT community here...and how much a part we are of a vibrant Washington DC,” said Dyana Mason, Executive Director of Capital Pride.

While celebrating Capital Pride’s 35th, money was raised to support its programs with a silent auction. Items such as vacation packages, pieces by local artists, and even a guitar signed by Cyndi Lauper, Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, Rufus Wainwright and Debbie Harry valued at $5,000, were among the items up for auction.

2010 marks Mason’s second and last year as executive director of Capital Pride, as she will be leaving to pursue a Ph.D. in policy management at the University of Southern Caliornia.

“Capital Pride is a strong organization that has a clear mission,” she said. “I feel really honored and blessed to have had a chance to work for the gay and lesbian community here in Washington, DC.”