The Inside Story of the Latonia

by Linda Henderson

One of the biggest mistakes we made in the weeks and months following Diane Gramley’s attacks on the Latonia was to believe she had an audience large enough to stop us. People throughout the community were telling us not to alter our plans and let these few small minded people affect us. I would have told you during those days that we were not allowing ourselves to be affected but as we reviewed our business plan recently, we discover that we did.
It was an emotional reaction to the ugly messages. We accepted the destructive message of the AFA.
Meanwhile, all around us good people have been quietly working to get us back on track. These are the mainstream Venango County people who represent the heart and soul of this region. Their focus is to build a stronger community not knock things down. All along they have been out there building. They never lost site of our mission. They never stopped believing in it.
And this week, as part of the Oil Heritage Festival, we felt the impact of it. About 1000 people, maybe more, came through the Latonia doors in 48 hours. They came to check out our progress in the last year during our tours on Thursday. Nearly as many people came as had visited last year. They shared their personal memories about movies seen there, live performances they enjoyed, and relatives that worked at the Latonia. They value our contribution and no AFA message can diminish their appreciation.
We were told to expect about 100 people or so for the Oil City idol auditions on Friday. The place was PACKED! People came and went. It was amazing. The first talent show at the Latonia in more than 40 years. Great talent was shared with an appreciative audience. The AFA could not keep them away nor diminish their appreciation of the event.
In the last month or so, other significant seeds have begun to sprout because of the behind the scenes work of good people. A wonderful group will be holding a Bridal show at the Latonia in September. They love the ballroom at the Latonia. The AFA cannot erase the work that has been done to create that space.
A new alliance is forming – the Northwest PA Performance Alliance – a group that will work to build bridges between the Venango County theatres and performance venues large or small. As performers seek places to share their talents, we will help them get booked at nearby locations.

This is how we end bigotry in Venango County. We build!

There are issues I want to see addressed. I want to know GLBT people will not be hurt and can expect the same rights and protections as anyone else. We do not. I believe the first step toward that end is actually taking place in Venango County. We are experiencing acceptance as equal, contributing members of the community. The next time Diane Gramley preaches her message that we are dangerous, maybe people will remember an enjoyable evening at the Latonia where two lesbians were working to make sure they had everything they needed. And maybe, the next time an opportunity comes to vote for equality, they will think of real people who have real feelings and will make real contributions to our community.