The streets are full of people sporting outlandish, colourful clothing. They stand fairy-like on top of eccentric and flamboyant floats. Effeminate middle-aged men, that are mostly out-of-shape, defiantly wear over-the-top leather clothing that would make even Lady Gaga and Rihanna squirm. Men in platinum blonde wigs zigzag across the streets; black and silver sequined tops sparkle and glimmer in the light. And six-foot tall queens wave regally at passersby. Welcome to Gay Pride 2011!
Thanks for that, guys. You just set the whole thing back about 15 years.
When Gay Pride marches first started flying their rainbow flag they had one agenda: to promote awareness about the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) community. It was a public demonstration that hoped to create acceptance and tolerance; to help people understand what they were scared of and to give gay people the same rights as straight people. Homosexuality was originally considered a mental illness, and the point of these marches was to lift that stigma. Now it just seems to be an excuse for men to wear drag, get drunk and stagger around the streets wearing stilettos that are at least three sizes too small for them.
When I was coming to terms with my sexuality, around the ages 11 or 12, the only information I got about being gay came from the television; notably footage of the Pride parades on the news. I knew that I liked boys, but I didn’t have the urge to dress like that. I didn’t want to paint my room every colour of the rainbow. I thought Liza “with a Z” was some pissed off English teacher. I played with toy guns and action men, not a feather boa and my mother’s make-up. I am in no way saying I’m not in touch with my feminine side, not at all. But this stereotype that I see parading around on my TV screen makes me wants to commit a hate crime, so imagine how the homophobes feel.
I am no fool; I know that society still has further to travel up the yellow brick to the accepting Land of Oz, but does Pride really help? No, I don’t think it does. Each to their own, that’s what my Gran told me. And rightly so; be who you are but be logical about it.
Gays still have a long way to go until we’re considered properly equal and accepted. So why do we indulge in these Pride marches that only detract from our cause? All they do is promote annoyance from those who are opposed or apathetic to us. I’m not ashamed of being gay, but my sexuality isn’t my defining quality, so I see no reason why thousands of people choose to use it as their identifier. Be proud of who you are, not what you are. The marches aren’t helping to break the gay stereotype; they’re waving it in the world’s face. I’m tired of seeing my sexual orientation used as a merchandising gimmick.
Thanks for that, guys. You just set the whole thing back about 15 years.
When Gay Pride marches first started flying their rainbow flag they had one agenda: to promote awareness about the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) community. It was a public demonstration that hoped to create acceptance and tolerance; to help people understand what they were scared of and to give gay people the same rights as straight people. Homosexuality was originally considered a mental illness, and the point of these marches was to lift that stigma. Now it just seems to be an excuse for men to wear drag, get drunk and stagger around the streets wearing stilettos that are at least three sizes too small for them.
When I was coming to terms with my sexuality, around the ages 11 or 12, the only information I got about being gay came from the television; notably footage of the Pride parades on the news. I knew that I liked boys, but I didn’t have the urge to dress like that. I didn’t want to paint my room every colour of the rainbow. I thought Liza “with a Z” was some pissed off English teacher. I played with toy guns and action men, not a feather boa and my mother’s make-up. I am in no way saying I’m not in touch with my feminine side, not at all. But this stereotype that I see parading around on my TV screen makes me wants to commit a hate crime, so imagine how the homophobes feel.
I am no fool; I know that society still has further to travel up the yellow brick to the accepting Land of Oz, but does Pride really help? No, I don’t think it does. Each to their own, that’s what my Gran told me. And rightly so; be who you are but be logical about it.
Gays still have a long way to go until we’re considered properly equal and accepted. So why do we indulge in these Pride marches that only detract from our cause? All they do is promote annoyance from those who are opposed or apathetic to us. I’m not ashamed of being gay, but my sexuality isn’t my defining quality, so I see no reason why thousands of people choose to use it as their identifier. Be proud of who you are, not what you are. The marches aren’t helping to break the gay stereotype; they’re waving it in the world’s face. I’m tired of seeing my sexual orientation used as a merchandising gimmick.
Chris Gen
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