Gays divided over APD's inclusion in pride parade

By Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Selecting an Atlanta Police Department officer as a grand marshal in Sunday's Pride Parade is akin to inviting singer Chris Brown's publicist to lead a march against domestic violence, says writer and activist Michael Alvear.

"Pride is about elevating our civil rights, not violating them," Alvear told the AJC Wednesday. "The symbolism here overshadows the substance."

Dani Lee Harris -- the APD's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender liaison -- is an awkward pick as grand marshal in light of the Red Dog unit''s controversial Sept. 10 raid of the Atlanta Eagle, Alvear said.

Eagle co-owner Richard Ramey said police held bar patrons on the ground for an hour and taunted them with anti-gay slurs. Eight club employees were arrested on improper permit charges.

"She was a terrific choice before the raid," Alvear said. He has alleged, along with Eagle co-owner Robby Kelley, that Harris defended the raid at the Ponce de Leon Avenue nightclub.

Kelley urged Harris not to wear her uniform to the parade. She's agreed, but not because the Eagle owner or other activists requested it.

"My decision was based solely on my family," said Harris, who will be the 39th Pride festival's first intersex -- having both male and female anatomical characteristics -- grand marshal. Her 10-year-old son will be accompanying her on a float. "I was fearing for his safety more than anything."

Harris said she has never defended the police's behavior during the Eagle sweep. "And I never said the raid shouldn't have happened," she said.

Rather, "I was attempting to enlighten the public about police procedure," Harris said.

Pride officials are sticking by their decision.  Harris will appear along with openly gay Virginia-Highland pastor Chris Glaser.

“She didn’t know about the raid beforehand, but was willing to stand up and answer questions on behalf of both the APD and our community on a very controversial issue,” said J. Sheffield, Pride’s events manager.

Alvear said he's received plenty of feedback, pro and con, following his criticism of Harris.

"I'm not offended by it," said Kyle Keyser, an openly gay candidate for Atlanta mayor. "I've always said we're two groups that need each other."

The internal investigation into allegations of police misconduct continues.