2015 Charleston Pride Guide by Charleston Pride Festival, Inc.

Table of Contents Our Sponsors........................................................................................................................5 Welcome from the Chair of Charleston Pride....................................................7 Welcome from the Mayor................................................................................................8 Schedule of Events.........................................................................................................13 Meet the Pride Board of Directors..........................................................................17 Rally Map..............................................................................................................................24 Parade Route.....................................................................................................................25 Pride Retrospectve..........................................................................................................31 Celebrity Grand Marshal...............................................................................................33 Grand Marshals.................................................................................................................35 Founder’s Award Recipient..........................................................................................37 Community Pride Award Recipient.........................................................................39 Rising Pride Award Recipient.....................................................................................41 Our History.............................................................................................................................42 Contributors: Brandon T Hunter-Layout and Design • Maria Rivers-Project Manager • Chase Glenn-Content Manager and Advertising Design • Dan Folk-Official Pride Photographer • Abigail Marie-Photography • Profound River Productions, LTD •

Sponsors

Welcome

From Tony Williams • Chair of Charleston Pride 2015 Greetings!

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Charleston Pride Festival, Inc., I welcome you to Charleston Pride 2015. We hope that you enjoy the week-long festivities as we truly do have “A Cause to Celebrate.” Charleston Pride Week 2015 features eight full days totaling 18 events. This year’s festival offers something for everyone. We invite you to participate in each of these events which embrace and demonstrate the uniqueness of our Charleston community. We have achieved so much since we last joined together in celebration for Charleston Pride 2014. The continuous march of progress has been evident as marriage equality rulings have been numerous and we now enjoy marriage equality here in the Palmetto State. We join together this week not only in celebration of these advancements but also in recognition of how far we’ve come since the era of Stonewall. Pride is a celebration of who we are and how much we have achieved as a community. In examining our achievements as a community during this celebration of Charleston Pride, I am filled with hope and optimism for the future. I am surrounded everyday by passionate and dedicated individuals who are constantly fighting for equality. These volunteers not only make celebrations such as Charleston Pride possible, but also serve as the catalysts for further progress around the nation. I invite us all to continue to stand together moving forward from this celebration and dream about the possibilities for the future. Let us work together to accomplish our highest hopes and aspirations and return with so much more to celebrate for Charleston Pride 2016! Respectfully,

Williams Tony Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer, Charleston Pride Festival, Inc.

Welcome From the Mayor

City of Charleston Proclamation

Charleston County Council Proclamation

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PRIDE Events

| Saturday, July 25th 6:00pm – Out And A Bout – Roller Derby Bout Come out and watch the Lowcountry Highrollers Rainbows vs. Unicorns for a roller derby bout you won’t want to miss with food trucks, music and roller derby!  Tickets:  $10 online (www.charlestonpride.com/derby), $15 at the door Doors open at 5:00pm, Bout kicks off at 6:00pm Location:  ISOL,  3337 Business Circle,  North Charleston 9:00pm until...– Go Out for Pride Support your local LGBT bars. Tag yourself in a photo with #CHSPride and #GoOutForPride. Pride will select two people from each of the bars who will receive access to the Pride Partner/VIP tent during the rally. Location:  Charleston’s Local LGBT-Friendly Bars and Clubs: Connections Niteclub, Dudley’s On Ann, Pantheon, Déjà Vu II, Tabbuli Grill, Pub On 61

| Sunday, July 26th 11:00am- 1:00pm – Drag Brunch at Tabbuli Grill What’s better than Sunday Brunch?  Drag Brunch!  Location: Tabbuli Grill, 6 North Market St, Charleston 1:00pm- 4:00pm – Old-Skool Field Gay with We Are Family Co-Sponsored by the MUSC Empower Program and the Charleston Blockade Rugby Team. All ages are welcome Location: Danny Jones Complex Field,  5000 Lackawanna Blvd, North Charleston 6:00pm – Charleston’s LGBTQ History:  Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going Participate in this panel discussion with long-time members of the Charleston LGBTQ community and young activists.  Location: Circular Congregational Church. Upper Lance Hall, 150 Meeting St, Charleston

| Monday, July 27th 7:05pm – Charleston Rainbows Pride Night Presented by Charleston Pride and Dudley’s on Ann, the Charleston Riverdogs minor league baseball team is donning their Charleston Rainbows throwback jerseys again for Pride Night at the Joe Riley Stadium.  Tickets: $8/ticket online (www.charlestonpride.com/rainbows) Location:  Joe Riley Stadium, 360 Fishburne St, Charleston 13

PRIDE Events

| Tuesday, July 28th 7:00pm (Bar opens at 6:00pm) – LGBT Film Night – My Prairie Home Charleston Pride and the Park Circle Film Society present My Prairie Home, an award-winning documentary-musical. The film’s central character Rae Spoon will speak before the screening. Tickets $8 online (www.charlestonpride.com/film) Location: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Charleston 10:00pm – Taboo Tuesday at Tabbuli Grill Good food, drinks, a DJ, and drag at Tabbuli’s weekly drag show.  You’re not going to want to miss out on this show! Location:  Tabbuli Grill, 6 North Market St, Charleston

| Wednesday, July 29th 6:00pm – Charleston Mayoral Candidate Forum presented by AFFA Join AFFA and Charleston Pride and hear from the candidates for Charleston Mayor.  Find out if what’s important to you is important to them. Location:  Charleston Marriott, 170 Lockwood Blvd, Charleston

| Thursday, July 30th 6:00pm- 9:00pm – Takeover Charleston at Taco Boy You won’t want to miss Takeover Charleston Pride! Come OUT to see and be seen as we usher in Pride weekend. Location:  Taco Boy, 217 Huger St, Charleston 11:00pm – The Patti O’Furniture Show at Dudley’s Laugh it up with the camp Queen of the Carolinas! Her mix of drag, comedy, quirky costumes and quick wit has been entertaining audiences since 1998. Welcome to the world of comedy couture that is the “Yard Sale with Legs!” Location:  Dudley’s on Ann, 42 Ann St, Charleston

| Friday, July 31st 4:00pm- 7:00 pm– Happy Hour with BEAU Magazine Unwind after work with Charleston’s premier LGBTA magazine benefiting Charleston Pride. Location:  Green Goat, 1300 Savannah Hwy STE 1, Charleston

PRIDE Events | Friday, July 31th 7:00pm- 9:00pm – LGBT LOL: A Night of Comedy at Club Pantheon A night of comedy with members of the LGBT community and our allies. Featuring: Emcee Jenn Snyder, Michael Clayton, Mimi Benfield, Elyse Garfinkel, Lily Slay, and Jeremy McLellan Tickets: $5 online (18 and over) (www.charlestonpride.com/lol) Location:  Club Pantheon, 28 Ann St, Charleston

| Saturday, August 1st 9:00am – Charleston Pride Parade Join crowds of supporters lining King Street as this Pride parade like no other runs right through the middle of downtown Charleston! Time: Saturday, August 1, 2015, 9:00am Location: King St, Downtown Charleston 10:00am – Charleston Pride Rally Nothing says Pride like a day in Brittlebank Park. Show your Pride and plan to celebrate! Time: Saturday, August 1, 2015, 10:00am-3:00pm Location: Brittlebank Park, 0 Lockwood Blvd, Charleston 3:00pm 7:00pm– Get Hitched Wedding Expo Innovative Event Services (IES), an event design and production company presents Get Hitched, the first wedding showcase in historic Charleston, South Carolina supporting LGBT weddings. Tickets: $10 (www.charlestonpride.com/gethitched) Location: Memminger Auditorium, 56 Beaufain St, Charleston For more information, go to www.charlestonpride.com/gethitched 9:00pm – Charleston Pride After Party: A Cause to Celebrate You won’t want to miss the legendary Charleston Pride After Party, where this year we have A Cause to Celebrate! Entertainment by Steve Grand, Eryn Woods, and other special guests. Music by DJ Trevor D Tickets: $20 online (www.charlestonpride.com/party), 18 and over Location: Memminger Auditorium, 56 Beaufain St, Charleston

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Board of Directors Why are YOU celebrating this year? Tony Williams Chief Executive Officer “I celebrate because I believe that tomorrow can always be better than today. These celebrations increase our visibility in the community and demonstrate that we are your brothers, your sisters, your teachers, your doctors, and your neighbors. While we are celebrating how far we’ve come, this act of celebrating helps to pave a path to a better tomorrow.”

Chase Glenn Chief Operating Officer “I’m celebrating our LGBTQ community and all my friends because you’ve reminded me that there is nothing better than being true to myself and living the life I’ve always wanted.This has been a big year for me as I’ve begun my transition and I have felt so supported and loved. I’m so grateful and I’m celebrating authenticity, realness, compassion and love today!”

Drayton Tuten Secretary/Volunteer Coordinator “My cause to celebrate? Being alive and being happy! I think everyone needs a reason to celebrate. I celebrate my life everyday. I have a loving and supportive family, great friends, an awesome job, and I live in the best city in the world. Why wouldn’t I celebrate?”

Board of Directors

Why are YOU celebrating this year? Michael Pound Festival Director “My reason to celebrate this year is a mixture of things. I’m glad to see that we have come a long way in succeeding in our right to have same sex marriage approved in our state. I also celebrate my friends who love me for who I am and would not have it any other way. I celebrate my partner of 19 years, who has been there for me always even through rough times (love you very much).”

Topher Larkin Director of Entertianment “It’s taken me a while to really come into my own person and become someone who feels comfortable in my own skin. However, growing older and wiser, I came to appreciate being a part of that world. There was no need to run from it, but definitely a need to embrace this community that I belong to. There is profound importance of being a part of a community and feeling accepted and embraced by those who know what it is like. This really is a cause for celebration!”

Devon Turner Director of Sponsorships “I lived in the closet for 18 years of my life and I intend to spend the rest of my life making up for that time when I was afraid of who I was. No one should ever have to hide who they are. I wish everyone understood this. This is my reason to celebrate, to inspire others to be proud of who they are and live life the way they were meant to.”

Board of Directors

Why are YOU celebrating this year? Daniel Brinker Director of Events

“Diversity is what I celebrate most. Pride represents all sorts of people from many different walks of life. It’s our world’s diversity that makes it so interesting. I’m amazed when anyone tries to tear down people who are different from them. People who are different than you are the most fascinating. Charleston is continuously becoming more diverse, with the LGBT population visible throughout all walks of life, and for that, I celebrate.”

Paulette Wendell Director of Outreach “Whether it’s marriage or gender equality, racial injustice, or industrialized farm animal cruelty, people seem more willing to have conversations now. They seem more willing to entertain another point of view, which opens us up to positive change as a society. More increasingly, people are able to see the oppression that tugs on the fabric of everyone’s freedoms. This is why I celebrate, for hope and the willingness to speak and act with an open heart.”

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Rally Map

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Parade Route

Parade will commence at 9:00am on Ann Street and continue down King Street to Broad Street and end at Colonial Lake. Viewing is recommended along King St.

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We’re proud to celebrate pride. Everywhere. Every day. We’re with you. From our Employees, to our Customers, to our community, we celebrate pride with everyone. #ForeverProud

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Retrospective

From Tony Williams • Chair of Charleston Pride 2015

Over the past two years, I have had the pleasure of serving as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Charleston Pride. I am extraordinarily proud of the growth of this celebration during this time. Charleston Pride has achieved so many milestones in the past few years, and this year is an especially important milestone for me personally as I celebrate my last festival with the organization. I’ve had the fantastic opportunity of being involved with Charleston Pride every year since its inception in 2010. During our original festival in North Charleston, I served as the Park Liaison, and I remember looking out onto the festival with a feeling of disbelief as so many LGBT Charlestonians never thought the day would happen in which a pride festival would take place here. I was inspired that day by the diverse attendees and all the hard work of the other organizers to stay involved with the organization and to help be a catalyst for change in our community. That desire to be a catalyst eventually led me to various roles with the organization throughout the years, including serving as the Webmaster, Logistics Coordinator, Secretary of the Board, and Chief Operating Officer. I’ve witnessed the unparalleled growth of this movement first hand, from expanding from a one day celebration to a eight day festival this year and to the first Pride parade in the streets of downtown Charleston in 2013. All of this success is due to the support of our community and the hard work of a committed group of individuals who truly believe that tomorrow can always be better than today. Throughout my tenure with Charleston Pride, I had the chance to work with a wonderful, unique group of diverse, committed people. These are individuals who have often gone unrecognized and have expressed no desire to be honored or recognized for their sacrifice and commitment to this movement. Some are still with the organization while others have moved on to other projects and endeavors. No matter where they are now, I can attest to the fact this movement would not be where it is today without their sacrifice, and I cannot thank them enough for their commitment and passion. Charleston Pride 2015 is a bittersweet celebration for me personally. While I am excited for building off the successes of our fifth anniversary last year, this will also be my last year with the organization in which I am deeply connected and proud. When I think back on my history with Charleston Pride, I am filled with happiness and an overwhelming sense of confidence and hope as I look towards the future. My optimism is due to the continued growth of Charleston Pride through the support of our community and the devotion of my colleagues on the Board of Directors. Truly, the immortal words of Margaret Mead cannot be denied: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Happy Pride, Charleston !

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Celebrity Grand Marshal

Jim Obergefell

Jim Obergefell was born and raised in Sandusky, Ohio and he earned a degree in Secondary Education and German from the University of Cincinnati. While in graduate school for College Student Personnel at Bowling Green State University, Jim fell in love with John Arthur. In 2011, John was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a fatal neurological disease with no cure. When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act with the Windsor decision in June 2013, after twenty years as a couple, John and Jim married on a medical jet on the Tarmac of Baltimore Washington International Airport. John and Jim then filed suit in federal court against the State of Ohio to demand recognition of their lawful out-of-state marriage on John’s impending death certificate. This was the first marriage equality suit filed after the Windsor ruling, and U.S. District Judge Timothy Black issued a temporary injunction in their favor, the first ruling in favor of marriage equality after Windsor. John died in October 2013, and his death certificate accurately reflects his marital status and lists Jim as John’s surviving spouse. The State of Ohio appealed to the Sixth District Court of Appeals; this court later ruled against John and Jim, as well as the plaintiffs from five other cases in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Tennessee, setting the stage for an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court consolidated all six cases into one, known as Obergefell v. Hodges, and heard oral arguments on April 28, 2015. At the time of printing, a decision is expected on the case in June 2015.

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Grand Marshals Nekki Shutt and the SC Marriage Equality Lawyers by Colleen Condon Last October 6, the United States Supreme Court set the scene by allowing marriage equality in Virginia. Lawyers immediately stepped up to demand marriage equality for South Carolina. Malissa Burnette led a march of petitions to Attorney General Alan Wilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office two days later, the same day the first marriage applications for same sex couples were received by Judge Irvin Condon in Charleston. Hours later Wilson objected and asked the SC Supreme Court to stop Judge Condon from granting those marriage licenses. Nekki Shutt of SC Equality and Susan Dunn of the ACLU stepped up and worked throughout the night to go file legal pleadings in the AM with the South Carolina Supreme Court. The next morning, Tom Gressette of SC Equality worked with Plaintiff Nichols Bleckley in the Charleston Courthouse while Malissa Burnette was at the South Carolina Supreme Court with Plaintiff Colleen Condon awaiting a decision on their marriage license. When the SC Supreme Court said marriage had to wait, the team filed a case in Charleston Federal District Court. We are fortunate to have had a team of committed lawyers already organized to address equality issues with the SC Equality Legal Taskforce. Volunteer lawyers with SC Equality and attorneys employed by ACLU and Lamba Legal repeatedly met lightning fast deadlines set by Judge Gergel to facilitate a fast decision. Beth Litrell, Greg Adams, Vickie Eslinger and others helped meet the numerous deadlines over the next six weeks set by Judge Gergel, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the US Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts issued a decision on November 18 for SC marriage licenses to be issued. Judge Michelle Childs also that day ordered that marriages from other states will be recognized in SC. Legal drafts were emailed back and forth throughout those nights. Such complex legal documents are usually done over many weeks, but were done for deadlines in 24 and 48 hours. This teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passionate, determined, expert work assured our right to marriage equality, and we honor them!

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Founder’s Award Sharen Mitchell Twenty-year resident of South Carolina, Sharen Mitchell is an artist, illustrator and graphic designer. As as active member of her community, beginning her studies at Winthrop University, in 1992 Ms. Mitchell was a founding member of WU’s first LGBT organization, “G.L.O.B.A.L”. In 2007 she served on the Leadership board of the Alliance For Full Acceptance (AFFA), organizing Charleston’s first Kid Robot, art show, “Stix N’ Stonz”. Challenging one of societies oldest school yard chants, “Stix N’ Stonz” focussed on the power words had to emotionally abuse, dehumanize, socially stigmatize and ultimately divide a nation. In 2009 as part of Charleston/ North Charleston’s “Evolution Art Show”, Ms. Mitchell curated “What Is Family”, a reaction to Proposition 8. Benefitting AFFA, this show challenged artists to interpret what constitutes a “family” and the different forms it may take. From 2010-2014 Sharen Mitchell continued her service to her community as a committee member, graphic designer and 4 year business sponsor of Charleston Pride, founded by Lynn Dugan. In 2011 she served as Art Director and project manager for it’s first art walk “Art For Pride”, in North Charleston’s Old Village and in 2012, she became a member of its Board Of Directors. In 2013, Sharen’s dedication to arts led her to become a board member of Enough Pie, a local organization dedicated to giving new life to old bones through the revitalization of communities in the upper peninsula of Charleston via the arts, community collaborations and creative place-making. Currently she is working on a three part series of graphic novels and illustrating collection of children’s books.

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Community Pride Award Patti O’Furniture

Patti O’Furniture was born out of a dare from the students of college professor Pat Patterson in the fall of 1999 and has followed a very non-traditional path into female impersonation ever since. Called the “yard sale with legs” because most of her initial costumes were gifts from other entertainers and fans, her mix of professionalism and quick wit have earned her a spot as one of the most sought-after emcees in the region. She first hit the stage on October 11, 1999 and has been entertaining audiences across the country ever since. From Los Angeles to Boston and New York to New Orleans, she has worked at some of the most legendary clubs and with too many RuPaul’s Drag Race queens to count - but she’s a Southern girl at heart and will always be proud to call South Carolina “home.” One thing has remained consistent since that very first show: every dollar that Patti collects on stage gets donated back to the community. Over the course the past fifteen years, Patti has raised funds for national organizations like the Trevor Project, Point Foundation and Special Olympics; statewide organizations like SC Equality, AIDS Benefit Foundation and Camp Hope; and, most significantly, in the Lowcountry for great causes like the Ryan White Clinic, We Are Family, Lowcountry Food Bank, Charleston Blockade Rugby Club - and especially Charleston Pride to whom she is so grateful for this honor. Patti has been the hostess and show director at Dudley’s on Ann since December of 2012 but has long been a part of the Lowcountry community. She has served as co-emcee of the AFFA GAYla for the past two years and been honored to be the emcee and hostess of Charleston Pride for the past three years. Patti wants to dedicate this award to Daniel Brinker and the staff of Dudley’s who quite literally give her a platform to broadcast her passion for the community - and to our patrons who fuel that passion through their presence, their laughter and their contributions. ... and Pat wants to dedicate this award to his parents who instilled in him a belief that when you are a part of a community, you must support that community so it can grow and remain vibrant and strong for the next generation.

Rising PRIDE Award

Jay Witkowski With over 23 years experience in helping integrate establishments to be more LGBT inclusive, Jay Witkowski is continuing and succeeding his efforts in Charleston SC. Charleston’s community knows Jay as the charismatic personality of Tabbuli. His creative, ever flowing energy, has produced an outlet for LGBT and Straight Identified people to congregate in the name of entertainment and great food. From Drag Brunches to LGBT produced fashion shows, Mr. Witkowski pulls his resources to connect and thrive Tabbuli’s accepting, and vastly entertaining ambiance.

Jay is an outstanding leader in our community. He has served our country in the Navy receiving a Navy Achievement Medal for his efforts and sacrifices. He has worked with The Sundance Film Festival, The Wit Gallery (features artists from around the country giving a little back to local charities and the community with each show), and now Tabbuli’s in efforts to bring LGBT visibility and awareness through the power of art and entertainment. Being a native Texan, he understands the adage “Go BIG or Go Home!” He is a self-motivated entrepreneur, a community builder, a supporter of the arts, and often the life of the party. This is credited to his ability to pinpoint what’s new, now, and next. Jay is well traveled and has experience as a photographer, gallery owner, and restaurateur. Working with Charleston Hospitality Group and Tabbuli for the past 4 years has allowed him the opportunity to lend his support to Charleston Gay Pride. He is very happy to be a part of the vibrant city of Charleston and this up and coming gay community.

Our History Remember Where PRIDE Came From by Jillian Brandl

Summer and the LGBTQ community go together like glitter and fishnets. Pride celebrations crop up nationwide, in cities big and small, as the queer community comes out to lift up our collective joy, fabulocity, and resilience. In the South especially, it is vital to the mental health and happiness of our community to celebrate ourselves, as there are still those who see our pride as a personal threat to their wellbeing. In the midst of all the parties, rallies, parades, runway shows, and everything else that begins to grace our planners beginning as early as May, it is vital to remember where Pride came from and why. Pride started as a riot. The Stonewall Riot, of June 28th 1969, is often held as the catalyst of the modern gay rights movement. Although it was not the first riot of its kind, the way in which the riots at The Stonewall Inn disrupted the norm of complacency towards police brutality against openly queer folks resulted in mobilization and action around queer liberation that had yet to be seen. In the weeks and months following the riots, communities surrounding the Stonewall Inn had begun to mobilize activist groups. Exactly a year after the riot, June 28th 1970, marches to commemorate the event were held in major cities, marking the beginning of the pride festivals we see today. When remembering and lifting up how pride started, it is also necessary to remember and celebrate who began what we know now as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pride.â&#x20AC;? Many of the folks that stood up and led the fight back against the police that early morning in 1969 were the folks that were most targeted by anti-queer legislation and mentalities; trans* and gender non-conforming folks, people of color, and homeless youth. Marsha P Johnson and Sylvia Rivera are just two of the many radical, visionary, trans women of color activists who we must give thanks and recognition not only for pride, but also for where we are in LGBTQ liberation today. Today, we still see the power that queer folks bring to the movement. #Blacklivesmatter was started by three black queer women. The #Not1More campaign, a fight to end deportations and the forceful separation of all families has benefited strongly from queer leadership. On the other hand, at the time of the composition of this article, seven trans women of color have been murdered. Homelessness for youth of our community is still a rampant problem. Black and brown bodies are daily brutalized by the police. So this year, while we celebrate our community and march in our Pride Parades, let us lift up the queer revolutionaries who have come before, commemorate the folks weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lost this year, and rally and mobilize one another to make next year Pride without a single loss of queer life to brutality. 42

Circular Church

Charleston Pride Circular is a place, a church, and a community of people committed to living and worshipping with simplicity, joy, and caring.

We welcome people of all genders, sexual orientations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and life experiences into our community of equals. We invite you to join us!

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Representing the Low Country LGBTA

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