To His Honor Nikitas Kaklamanis
Mayor of the City of Athens, Greece
3 March 2008
Dear Mr. Kaklamanis,
It has come to our attention that the Festival Yperifaneias – Athens Pride Association has applied to your office for the Aegis of the City for their 2008 event, scheduled for 7 June 2008 in Klafthmonos Square.
We are aware that you rejected the organization’s application in 2007. We consider this rejection to be in conflict with the idea of Isopolitia, and with the respect that a modern, democratic European city must have for all its citizens, no matter their religion, race, age or sexual orientation.
In fact, Mayors Shirley Franklin of Atlanta, GA and Gavin Newsome of San Francisco, CA and many other officials of democratic cities not only endorse but also participate in their cities’ Pride events.
We understand that the City of Athens gives its Aegis as an endorsement of a cultural event that has significance for the City’s population. 2008 is the fourth consecutive year of the Athens Pride Festival Yperifaneias, and the second year that the organization has applied for the City’s Aegis.
We therefore strongly urge that you grant this endorsement this year, in a democratic display of respect and recognition for all Greek citizens and residents of Athens.
Respectfully yours,
Trisha Clymore and Russell Murphy
Co-Presidents
InterPride
www.interpride.org