Gay Pride Parade Commentary

[actsnoblemartin]

I t hink this is a very well thoughtout post, I think gays and lesbians deserve the same rights but I was trying to point out a legitimate criticism of the pride parade itself not the whole gay community.

I think we (meaning us straights) need to distinguish between those who hate gays, and those who simply disagree for religious or other reasons with homosexuality/homosexual marriage but do not hate gays.

If you read my op, which im sure you did. I also criticized the uber-capitalism as well as the over-sexualization. But i was not implying everyone at the parade i went to san diego (acted like that). I saw normal people (gay and straight) dressed appropriately and part of the parade was about recognizing the victories and defeats of the movement for equality.

And there you have it.

Why some people march in Pride Parades.

And while I will agree to some degree with the OP - a portion of the Pride Parades really do delegitimize the movement, and, having marched and or attended in PP's in the past, I find the few folks (some always ruin it for others) who do parade their asschaps, flesh and sexualize it, really disgust me.

The time for parades, as they are carried out now, is passed as far as I'm concerned.

Still, the posters above show why people fought, and still fight for the right to live unmolested by the hate mongers who want to banish them, equate them with pedophiles, rapists, dog-fuckers and every vile sin imaginable. Most gays and lesbians are seeking nothing more than to have equal rights, and live as who they are, and love who they chose.

I am thankful people like the above posters will be as reviled in years to come, as the backspit racists from the 50's and 60's are now.

 

[actsnoblemartin]

I have been very very criticial of how straight women act with their dress/behavior.

I think you bring up an excellent point, as i was thinking about this earlier when my friend asked me what i meant by over sexualition. I was not talking about holding hands, kissing, or holding. I was talking about those i saw maybe 30-50% men and women at the parade dressed inappropriately.

but let me get back to the point. Mardi Gras unlike the pride parade has no redeeming value what so ever. Straight people have not been fighting for the right to get marride, adopt kids, sponsor a partner to immigrate to u.s., d.o.m.a. dont ask dont tell.

I think that is the socially redeeming part of the parade,

Mardi gras is a soft core porn film, where men think with their peckers, and women act like whores.

Overall, I think I am against overt flaunting of ones sexuality, and while i agree with you their is hypocrisy, i myself dont feel i am a hypocrite.

and yes you bring up some other good points of straight hypocrisy where straight people can do anal, and they are not called sodomites, but gays are.

overall, i think you hit the nail on the head

As someone who has participated in a gay pride parade I can tell you first hand that I dont understand the graphic sexual undertones to it. Since when does walking around half naked, displaying how worthy you are to f*** make you proud?

Its actually quite appalling, and I think the gay community better lose that aspect of itself, if it wants to be considered mainstream and not a bunch of sex crazed fruits.

That is my commentary on the pride parade.

Overall Its more about displaying your sexual prowess then stating your pride, and lets not forget capitalism. Since they allow a lot of vendors to sell food, merchandise and other items.

Im martin Barken and thats my commentary on the gay pride parade

Wow, sounds like someone has some serious self hate.

Go to the Mardi Gras. You can watch girls flash their boobs. There are way more of them than the gays.

Straight people party too. There are adult sex clubs for married people in nearly every state in the union. Some of those clubs have members from dozens of countries.

Then there are all the thousands and thousands of people that go to swingers conventions all across the US. Las Vegas, Reno, New Orleans, Florida and lots more.

The truth is that gays are ostracized because they like same sex sex. So of course they celebrate because they know they are doing nothing wrong. Why should they bow to the hypocrisy of straight people?

 

[actsnoblemartin]

outstanding, and basically was my point.

Gay people should want to be like everyone else, same rights, same responsibilities.

And I was pointing out a legitimate criticism of the parade.

All parades have been a celebration of pageantry, the "pride" parade is suppose to be about equality and taking pride in one's self regardless of adversity.

Equality is a myth...Time to get past it.

Taking pride in absence of any accomplishment, IM not-at-all HO, debases the term and emotion.

Well, gays & lesbians are no longer getting their meeting places raided, have to suffer booking, fingerprinting and arrest just for being gay, placed in mental institutions, have to undergo forced lobotomies and other draconian "cures," authorities are much less inclined now to 'look the other way' when gays are beaten to a pulp or worse, killed, by gay bashers...

many places can no longer fire you just because you are gay,
children of homosexuals are generally not taken away from them anymore, never to be allowed to see them again,
overwhelming pressure from society to enter into a false marriage for cover does not commit nearly as many people to live a lie in sham relationships,
many less gays and lesbians than in the past fear being disowned by family and shunned by friends and coworkers when it is discovered they are gay...

All in all, being allowed to Be Who You Are, has become acceptable, without shame and needlessly suffering under institutionalized prejudice - to the point where they are now allowed to legally adopt, be recognized as spouses in domestic partnerships, with many of the rights that encompasses, and even legally marry the person they love in a number of states now...

Yes, all in all - that is accomplishment. And of you can't understand that, then you have absolutely no understanding of the history, and the civil rights victories,
of gays and lesbians

 

[actsnoblemartin]

Gays had to fight for their rights, from stonewall, to prop 6 in california in 1977 I believe it was.

Perhaps their was a cultural shift in the straight community which helped the gay communit.

Well, gays & lesbians are no longer getting their meeting places raided, have to suffer booking, fingerprinting and arrest just for being gay, placed in mental institutions, have to undergo forced lobotomies and other draconian "cures," authorities are much less inclined now to 'look the other way' when gays are beaten to a pulp or worse, killed, by gay bashers...

Neither do people with Down syndrome...You sure you wanna go in that direction?

All in all, being allowed to Be Who You Are, has become acceptable, without shame and needlessly suffering under institutionalized prejudice - to the point where they are now allowed to legally adopt, be recognized as spouses in domestic partnerships, with many of the rights that encompasses, and even legally marry the person they love in a number of states now.

Yes, all in all - that is accomplishment. And of you can't understand that, then you have absolutely no understanding of the history, and the civil rights victories,
of gays and lesbians

Much of that "accomplishment" is part and parcel to cultural shift more than anything gays have done.

And nobody gives you your rights.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I do. Are you comparing gays and lesbians to those who are born with the chromosomal, developmental disability known as Downs Syndrome?

That cultural shift was brought on by the brave gays and lesbians who did things like fight back at Stonewall, not backing down when they were told to STAY IN THE CLOSET, and fighting tooth and nail for the rights they enjoy today.

Cultural shift my ass! It didn't happen on its own. who the fuck do you think made it happen??

 

[actsnoblemartin]

because im a supporter of gay rights, and I would hope the gay community cares what i have to say. And while they dont have to agree with it, my opinion should be as valuable as theirs.

why should they care what you think?
and who cares about semi nudity, go to europe it isn't such a big deal and they have less problems with std's and teenage pregnancy.

 

[eagleseven]

Different strokes for different folks...

 

[rdean]

outstanding, and basically was my point.

Gay people should want to be like everyone else, same rights, same responsibilities.

And I was pointing out a legitimate criticism of the parade.

Equality is a myth...Time to get past it.

Taking pride in absence of any accomplishment, IM not-at-all HO, debases the term and emotion.

Well, gays & lesbians are no longer getting their meeting places raided, have to suffer booking, fingerprinting and arrest just for being gay, placed in mental institutions, have to undergo forced lobotomies and other draconian "cures," authorities are much less inclined now to 'look the other way' when gays are beaten to a pulp or worse, killed, by gay bashers...

many places can no longer fire you just because you are gay,
children of homosexuals are generally not taken away from them anymore, never to be allowed to see them again,
overwhelming pressure from society to enter into a false marriage for cover does not commit nearly as many people to live a lie in sham relationships,
many less gays and lesbians than in the past fear being disowned by family and shunned by friends and coworkers when it is discovered they are gay...

All in all, being allowed to Be Who You Are, has become acceptable, without shame and needlessly suffering under institutionalized prejudice - to the point where they are now allowed to legally adopt, be recognized as spouses in domestic partnerships, with many of the rights that encompasses, and even legally marry the person they love in a number of states now...

Yes, all in all - that is accomplishment. And of you can't understand that, then you have absolutely no understanding of the history, and the civil rights victories,
of gays and lesbians

"Gay people should want to be like everyone else, same rights, same responsibilities."

And they are. If straight people want to have their "swingers" parties and flash on the street, then gays should have that right whether they exercise it or not.

Just to put it in perspective, considering that gays are probably less than 5% of the population, it's entirely possible that there are more swingers than gays. With a 50% divorce rate, you would think they would clean house and leave the gays alone. Guess not.

 

[actsnoblemartin]

well said, and correct.

outstanding, and basically was my point.

Gay people should want to be like everyone else, same rights, same responsibilities.

And I was pointing out a legitimate criticism of the parade.

Well, gays & lesbians are no longer getting their meeting places raided, have to suffer booking, fingerprinting and arrest just for being gay, placed in mental institutions, have to undergo forced lobotomies and other draconian "cures," authorities are much less inclined now to 'look the other way' when gays are beaten to a pulp or worse, killed, by gay bashers...

many places can no longer fire you just because you are gay,
children of homosexuals are generally not taken away from them anymore, never to be allowed to see them again,
overwhelming pressure from society to enter into a false marriage for cover does not commit nearly as many people to live a lie in sham relationships,
many less gays and lesbians than in the past fear being disowned by family and shunned by friends and coworkers when it is discovered they are gay...

All in all, being allowed to Be Who You Are, has become acceptable, without shame and needlessly suffering under institutionalized prejudice - to the point where they are now allowed to legally adopt, be recognized as spouses in domestic partnerships, with many of the rights that encompasses, and even legally marry the person they love in a number of states now...

Yes, all in all - that is accomplishment. And of you can't understand that, then you have absolutely no understanding of the history, and the civil rights victories,
of gays and lesbians

"Gay people should want to be like everyone else, same rights, same responsibilities."

And they are. If straight people want to have their "swingers" parties and flash on the street, then gays should have that right whether they exercise it or not.

Just to put it in perspective, considering that gays are probably less than 5% of the population, it's entirely possible that there are more swingers than gays. With a 50% divorce rate, you would think they would clean house and leave the gays alone. Guess not.

 

[DavidS]

As someone who has participated in a gay pride parade I can tell you first hand that I dont understand the graphic sexual undertones to it. Since when does walking around half naked, displaying how worthy you are to f*** make you proud?

Its actually quite appalling, and I think the gay community better lose that aspect of itself, if it wants to be considered mainstream and not a bunch of sex crazed fruits.

That is my commentary on the pride parade.

Overall Its more about displaying your sexual prowess then stating your pride, and lets not forget capitalism. Since they allow a lot of vendors to sell food, merchandise and other items.

Im martin Barken and thats my commentary on the gay pride parade

You know -- I'm 100% for gay rights and all, but I've got to agree with you on this -- the way a lot of these people exhibit themselves off in a "gay pride" parade is absolutely disgusting and it's completely unfair that really hot women can't exhibit themselves that way in a "straight pride" parade.

 

[eagleseven]

As someone who has participated in a gay pride parade I can tell you first hand that I dont understand the graphic sexual undertones to it. Since when does walking around half naked, displaying how worthy you are to f*** make you proud?

Its actually quite appalling, and I think the gay community better lose that aspect of itself, if it wants to be considered mainstream and not a bunch of sex crazed fruits.

That is my commentary on the pride parade.

Overall Its more about displaying your sexual prowess then stating your pride, and lets not forget capitalism. Since they allow a lot of vendors to sell food, merchandise and other items.

Im martin Barken and thats my commentary on the gay pride parade

You know -- I'm 100% for gay rights and all, but I've got to agree with you on this -- the way a lot of these people exhibit themselves off in a "gay pride" parade is absolutely disgusting and it's completely unfair that really hot women can't exhibit themselves that way in a "straight pride" parade.

So you've never heard of...

 

[Si modo]

As someone who has participated in a gay pride parade I can tell you first hand that I dont understand the graphic sexual undertones to it. Since when does walking around half naked, displaying how worthy you are to f*** make you proud?

Its actually quite appalling, and I think the gay community better lose that aspect of itself, if it wants to be considered mainstream and not a bunch of sex crazed fruits.

That is my commentary on the pride parade.

Overall Its more about displaying your sexual prowess then stating your pride, and lets not forget capitalism. Since they allow a lot of vendors to sell food, merchandise and other items.

Im martin Barken and thats my commentary on the gay pride parade

You know -- I'm 100% for gay rights and all, but I've got to agree with you on this -- the way a lot of these people exhibit themselves off in a "gay pride" parade is absolutely disgusting and it's completely unfair that really hot women can't exhibit themselves that way in a "straight pride" parade.

Mardi gras comes to mind. Not my speed, but I think that is comparable.

 

[JW Frogen]

Look, you gays can put your cock in any mouth or asshole you want.

Who am I? I don't care.

But it is a mistake to indentify your entire indentity with your sexuality.

I have a giant cock, it is my best freind, but it is not the totality of me.

50%, but not the totality.

Get a hobby, walk a dog, read a nice book.

 

[JW Frogen]

Or if you're like David here, you can mix the cock and the dog walking.

That lends an entire new meaning to giving the dog a bone.

 

[editec]

As someone who has participated in a gay pride parade I can tell you first hand that I dont understand the graphic sexual undertones to it. Since when does walking around half naked, displaying how worthy you are to f*** make you proud?

Its actually quite appalling, and I think the gay community better lose that aspect of itself, if it wants to be considered mainstream and not a bunch of sex crazed fruits.

That is my commentary on the pride parade.

Overall Its more about displaying your sexual prowess then stating your pride, and lets not forget capitalism. Since they allow a lot of vendors to sell food, merchandise and other items.

Im martin Barken and thats my commentary on the gay pride parade

You seriously don't get that a huge number of gay people are both obsessed by their own identities as sexual outlaws AND drama queens who like to flaunt their sexuality, too?

You must not know many queers, amigo.

How can you make an assessment of numbers as "huge," when the ones who lead utterly normal lives, quiet and content in who they are, standard and average in every other regard, are more or less - invisible - if fact, you probably wouldn't even know were gay or lesbian if you weren't well acquainted with them...

I use the word "huge" to describe enough people to comprise a parade, amigo.

How would you know?

By observation.

How can you regard a demographic as containing a huge number of a particular personality trait, when the number of those who are not obsessed and/or drama queens is not known?

It's known to me, sport.

If you are mystified about why I say that a huge number of gays are seuxally obsessed drama queens, then you must not know a whole lotta queers.

BTW, I have nothing against sexually obsessed drama queens.

They're colorful and often great fun.

But let's not pretend they don't exist, shall we?

 

[hvacjones]

I am a proud lib but must agree. My gay friends are not helping themselves with the way they run these parades.

 

[hvacjones]

dry humping anyone/anything on a parade float will help you lose all credibility

 

[JW Frogen]

dry humping anyone/anything on a parade float will help you lose all credibility

Not in New Orleans.

 

[JW Frogen]

And in San Fran it wins elections.

 

[bodecea]

What's the point in being proud of something over which you have no control?

I mean really....I can see being proud of doing an exceptional job at work or building a successful business, but running around parading out in the streets what you do (we hope) in the privacy of your own home is something to be proud of?

And on top of that, I thought a person's sex life is nobody's business but their own....Yet, on this particular occasion, we have people waving their private sex lives around in everyone's faces?

I don't get it....And don't ask me to.

You never see any 'straight pride parades'.

Actually, they just aren't called that ...

Mardis Gras anyone?

We're taking that one over too.


But let's talk about Spring Break...not exactly a parade but definitely straight sexuality on parade.

 

[KittenKoder]

You never see any 'straight pride parades'.

Actually, they just aren't called that ...

Mardis Gras anyone?

We're taking that one over too.


But let's talk about Spring Break...not exactly a parade but definitely straight sexuality on parade.

There's more sex in Spring Break than anywhere, so good point.