It blows my mind how people want us to disappear. I guess that's the new thing, if you don't like it, try to blow it off the face of the earth... What happened to respecting people and accepting people for who they are? It drives me nuts!
Yep.
I applaud JWight for keeping the crap cleaned out of this thread as well.. thanks!
Has anyone thought about taking their smart on a Pride parade?
Opinions are as diverse as is our community. I personally dislike the notion of Pride parades. The 'pride' message is an in-your-face media event directed to the straight community. If pride were authentic, it wouldn't need a name and callout. The parade, etc. seems a ruse to self-convince the gay community of its own pride. Yet look what is portrayed on local news channels... half-naked writhing booty-shaking drag queens. For most, the parade media 'snapshot' is a counterproductive sore reminder of divisiveness and portions of the gay community that have nothing to do with fostering quality longlasting relationships. Stereotypes are recalled and perpetuated by this media spectacle, and the public becomes further uneducated about, and alientated from, the broader gay community. Local parades are held in self-ostracized bar-laden sex-driven rainbow-colored gay ghettos, causing the impression that this is where the gay world begins and ends. It is a lopsided and unbalanced viewpoint of gay diversity which, for many, causes a poor representation and erodes the very pride that seems to be our holy grail. Why don't straights have a parade? Because it would be silly. Gays who want social acceptance and change are sending a mixed message... you cannot create shock-and-awe events and then wonder why gays are so judged and misunderstood. The segment of the gay community who would best resonate with the straight community would have little to do with a pride parade. When the day comes that self-pride is ingrained in the gay community, and gay heterophobia becomes a thing of the past, holding a pride-monikered parade will cease to exist. Until then, I would never participate in one of these events, as they are unconstructive and foolish, in my opinion. Naturally, by their positive-sounding premise, and the recognized desire for fostering a better community, these parades have become nearly self-perpetuating and well-regarded. Undoubtedly, my opinion will be unpopular and seem radical. But, that only points to the richness of our diversity... and that IS the point, isn't it?
Opinions are as diverse as is our community. I personally dislike the notion of Pride parades. The 'pride' message is an in-your-face media event directed to the straight community. If pride were authentic, it wouldn't need a name and callout. The parade, etc. seems a ruse to self-convince the gay community of its own pride. Yet look what is portrayed on local news channels... half-naked writhing booty-shaking drag queens. For most, the parade media 'snapshot' is a counterproductive sore reminder of divisiveness and portions of the gay community that have nothing to do with fostering quality longlasting relationships. Stereotypes are recalled and perpetuated by this media spectacle, and the public becomes further uneducated about, and alientated from, the broader gay community. Local parades are held in self-ostracized bar-laden sex-driven rainbow-colored gay ghettos, causing the impression that this is where the gay world begins and ends. It is a lopsided and unbalanced viewpoint of gay diversity which, for many, causes a poor representation and erodes the very pride that seems to be our holy grail. Why don't straights have a parade? Because it would be silly. Gays who want social acceptance and change are sending a mixed message... you cannot create shock-and-awe events and then wonder why gays are so judged and misunderstood. The segment of the gay community who would best resonate with the straight community would have little to do with a pride parade. When the day comes that self-pride is ingrained in the gay community, and gay heterophobia becomes a thing of the past, holding a pride-monikered parade will cease to exist. Until then, I would never participate in one of these events, as they are unconstructive and foolish, in my opinion. Naturally, by their positive-sounding premise, and the recognized desire for fostering a better community, these parades have become nearly self-perpetuating and well-regarded. Undoubtedly, my opinion will be unpopular and seem radical. But, that only points to the richness of our diversity... and that IS the point, isn't it?
All very true... I am guessing here, but I often thought the parades were to get people out of the closet. When I first saw one on the news it scared me deeper into the closet. Now that I am significantly older, I think to each is own. But your thoughts are accurate. The parades too often send the exact message we are trying to eliminate.
As you said, the responses and feelings regarding this will be as diverse as our community is.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!!!!
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