Celebrating Pride
I attended my first gay pride event at 16. It was your typical cool and overcast San Francisco summer. I was scared, excited, worried and surprised all at once. I've never seen so many other gay people in my life. As the Dikes on Bikes started the festivities, and roared past me, breast to the wind and aviator sunglasses, i silently wondered if it had always been like this. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence danced past me in all their white make-up glory, and the post-op transgendered woman in bikini with a rainbow colored boa kissed my cheeks, i was overcome with emotion as i was witnessing for the first time the beauty, and diversity of a community. I saw the potential of what can happen once a group of people comes together to celebrate our individuality and sexuality. While my first pride event was filled with laughter and shameless flirting, it took me some time to really appreciate the history behind this incredible event and political implications behind it. (image source)
Pride has become the biggest party of the queer calendar. It feels like Christmas, looks like Halloween and we celebrate and commemorate it like it was our 4th of July. Throughout the years, the face of Pride has changed to reflect the changing face of queer life. In its people and music we see our dreams and joy, our accomplishments and challenges. In the spirit of Pride 2009, i'd like to take this time to enlighten the uninformed, and remind the already aware of what we have achieved and have yet to do.
1969: The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in the Greenwich Village section of New York City was raided by police. In the early morning of Saturday, June 28th gay, lesbian, transgendered people and drag queens rioted as a protest to the continued oppression of gay, lesbian and transgendered rights. The Stonewall riots lasted several days, and many were arrested. For the first time, a significant amount of LGBT persons resisted arrest and many who initially fought back were persons of colour. A movement was born. Following the historic Stonewall riots in New York City, people are consumed with the power of liberation and celebration. The first march is scheduled for the summer of 1970. These early years were both serious and fun and were utilized to inspire and the growing activist movement for greater LGBT rights. Several years later, other major cities started their own annual marches. Some of these marches were called Gay Liberation Marches, and Gay Freedom Marches. By the late '70s, organizers consolidate the marches under one name, calling the annual event Gay Pride to make is seem like a movement and gain legitimacy. By the early '90s, in the era of political correctness, as families, friends and other supporters began to march with their LGBT sons and daughters, the event becomes known simply as Pride. The march had transformed once again since the early years to include HIV/AIDS advocacy and remembrance.
As new challenges emerge within our community, take some time to honor the battles of the past, the fallen heros in stiletto shoes and ask yourself...what does celebrating Pride mean to you?
Have a happy and safe Pride
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Pride for me is just a way to remember who I am and even though society may not be so comfortable with my lifestyle, I still own a space on the calendar to celebrate my being. And that alone says alot.
JJPA says
Pride is a day of celebration to me its the one day that i can be happy about being who i am we face so many challenges throughout our lives jus trying to be who we are that we need one day that celebrates us as a people and a shared community its one day to forget about all the anger frustration and oppression we face all year.
DulceDeLeche says
BLPA,
Thank you for your comment. Pride is an amazing day, and each day is a celebration of life, individuality and spirit. Perhaps there will come a time when events like this are no longer needed. what do you think?
DulceDeLeche says
JJPA,
tlhank you for your comment. Pride is about celebration and about rememberance. However, i personally don't need this one particular day to celebrate my sexuality, or use is a vehicle to renew my commitment to our liberation. I hope that you are happy with who you are no matter what.
MahTin n' Prov says
This was really cute to read.
I just got back from attending the NY Pride Parade...amazing experience. It was beautiful (and overwhelming!!) to see the diversity. Love it, love it, love it!
DulceDeLeche says
Martin,
Thank you for your comment. I'm so happy that you got to experience NY Pride. It's always amazing to me much Love and support there is within our community. For the first time i walked the whole parade route....it was awesome!
lurondra bryant says
PRIDE WAS A WONDEFUL EVENT, AND I ENJOYED MARCHING WITH MY JOB,, I THINK IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING TO SEE SO MANY PEOPLE COME TOGETHER AND CELEBRATE A WONDERFUL DAY AS ONE