Comments on: Is anyone else embarrassed by gay pride parades?

By: Draekz

Draekz — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:40:36 +0000

I am gay, and I am embarassed by Gay Pride events that display obscene sexuality and nudity out in public.

When I marched in Gay Pride in the 90′s, we were actually marching for our rights to be accepted in society. Now Gay Pride parades are run by Corporations and Organizations who want to make money. It is no longer about acceptance.

They are LYING to the world sayings its about acceptance. Its kinda like a Rave, where people say “Its about the Music.” when we all know its about the drugs.

Thats what Gay Parades are now, They aren’t about equal rights, they are about sex, drugs and rock and roll.

Shame on all the gay people who support Gay Pride the way it is today.

By: teresacmt

teresacmt — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:41:14 +0000

It is true that in some ways people encourage stereotypes when they are marching in those parades however you have to remember what they are marching for.

Let’s say that you and your current boyfriend decide to be together forever. Unless you live in Massachusetts those people marching in that parade are on the front lines of a battle for your right to marriage.

The right to marry goes much deeper than a peice of paper.

It is the right to be by your spouses side anytime if he is ever in the hospital.

It is the right to take care of final arrangements on the dreaded day that one of you dies.

It is the right to adopt and raise children.

That is just a short list of the many rights that they are marching for.

If you ultimatley settle down with a woman you will not have to worry about such things but any same-sex couple needs to be concerned with fightning for truly equal rights.

Many years ago people thought that the black people were making matters worse for themselves with their marches and protests but look how things changed there.

By: T.

T. — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:41:14 +0000

I know that when gay people act so flamboyant and they are embarrassing themselves so publicly, they aren’t doing much for the gay movement. I like the idea of the parades but there are always a few who have to ruin it for everyone.

By: Atom74

Atom74 — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:41:14 +0000

I think that historically it is hugely important. In fact I marched in the 1st parade in my city some 20 years ago when it was actually quite dangerous. Now it is a commercial-fest of stereytypes yes. I totally agree, I refuse to support it any longer. Just realize why it exists, somebody had to pave the way so you could have a normal relationship after all.

EDIT: K ‘normal’ was so the wrong word. But a relationship where you can at least be recognised to some level. I suppose is far more accurate.

By: pammy

pammy — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:41:14 +0000

Wow. Gay pride parades are a time for people to express themselves however they want to. It isn’t to try and make a good impression. It’s a time to let your hair down, be who you are and be accepted.
If you aren’t going to accept people for who they are, then who is the bigot?
You want to be accepted for who you are, right?

By: dirk

dirk — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:41:14 +0000

It is time for the parades to evolve, so your homework is to build the kind of float that would do us proud.

By: Tom W for Da Ben Dan

Tom W for Da Ben Dan — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:41:14 +0000

Different people see gay pride as different things. Gay pride parade and festival used to be (and continues to be) a political statement. It is a statement to the rest of the community that we are proud to be who we are regardless of sexual orientation or proclivities.

There are many members of the LGBTQ community who feel that pride festivals and parade have become too commercialized and that there is nothing prideful about it. That’s perfectly OK as we each have our own pride in our own ways. The important thing is that you have the right to express your pride in whatever YOU deem to be prideful. If this includes marching down the boulevard in your whatever outfit(s), so be it! It is a celebratory statement for those that enjoy it! Thanks for asking and thanks for reading!

By: RobNyack

RobNyack — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:41:14 +0000

please….it’s a PARADE. All parades are out-there flamboyant and celabratory.

you might be dealing with a bit of a self-loathing complex?
We all come from all walks of life….rich, poor, middle class, white, black, brown, yellow, urban, suburban, well educated, not so well educated, etc, etc, etc. You are gay and you are an individual. No one can define you unless you let them.

The parades are meant to be fun, wild, and entertaining. Just like ALL parades. You need to look inwards a bit more and see what the problem is rather than looking outwards and blaming a parade.

By: Aunt Henny Penny

Aunt Henny Penny — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:41:14 +0000

If Gay Pride celebrations bother or embarrass you, then do not go. People that march in such parades are simply trying to get their message out the only way they know how.
I agree with you though, I wish so called Gay Pride events were a lot less flamboyant. We spend so much time trying to be accepted as "no different" than everyone else, then we take to the streets half naked sceaming, "we’re here, we’re queer, get used to it".. go figure..

By: Jzzy

Jzzy — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:41:14 +0000

Nicholas, you are right. Those parades perhaps have their reason of existing but i always notice that is the only thing straight people pick up: gays = flamboyant, flag waving, half naked men in glitter shoes. I can smile about them but never think they do much good.