No, it ain't Christmas, y'all.
If we Come Out at Gay Pride events across the country now, it shows that we are not resting on the laurels of Iowa and Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire; it shows that we still have to fight for our rights. It shows that we want equality; we demand it. We deserve it.
It's bigger than that.
It's bolder than that.
It's hotter than that.
It's Gay Pride Season.
Woo hoo!
Summertime is generally Gay Pride Time, with May, June and July being the big months--here in my little Red State, however, Gay Pride is in September. We're either behind the times, or maybe the climate--and by climate I mean weather and society--is just a bit less oppressive.
I know a lot of folks who don't do Gay pride. They think it's silly; they say they're too old; it's too hot; too much traffic; too many people. Yada yada yada. But I say you should go. Gay or straight, you should go. Be seen and see; be heard and listen.
At a time when support for marriage equality is on the rise, when freakin' Iowa opens it's doors to end discrimination, now is the time to get out and be seen.
You don't have to march....unless you want to march.
You don't have to wave a Rainbow flag....unless you want to wave it.
You don't have to take your shirt off...unless you're hot and then it's the law.
But I digress.
If we Come Out at Gay Pride events across the country now, it shows that we are not resting on the laurels of Iowa and Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire; it shows that we still have to fight for our rights. It shows that we want equality; we demand it. We deserve it.
So, go. Go'on now.
Get out there and mingle.
Make a new friend. Build alliances. Create a community that shows no sign of backing down until we have the same rights under the Constitution as all Americans.
Be proud that this is the season when equality may finally win out.
I did the marching thing in the early 90's. Now I'm just watching from the sidelines.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely adore the Pride Parade even if it is the same tired old floats. It's just the crush of people.
Providence 2008 PrideIt's like the city comes completely alive during Pride. And it's always held mid June, not too hot but always a chance of rain.
I used to live just outside Washington DC where Capital Pride was a pretty big deal. We stopped going after a few years, for all the reasons you mentioned, including the fact that it ALWAYS rained.
ReplyDeleteBut I agree with you that there is no better time than NOW to show up and be counted at Pride. Commune with your bretheren and increase our community's visibility.