Anyone who knows me knows I am an active proponent of the existence of Pride. I believe its an essential and necessary community event we all must have. Whether your pride is for your community, your religion, your sports team, your family or your sexuality, it is important to have it.
With that being said, it's no surprise that the homosexuals and their peers are the ones who took the term Pride and made it into one of the world's largest and most celebrated parties. We are known for our organizing and over the top celebrations, as well as our excessive disposable income. Thus, who was surprised by this outcome.
Now, as we are gearing up the Toronto Pride, the city is getting ready for one of it's best celebrations (heck they haven't had a successful hockey team in years to riot for); and with that gearing up the constant debate over the "purpose" and "meaning" of pride comes to fruition.
Have we lost all it's political meanings if it's a party that has very few people engaging politically? Is it an event that invites politicians to gain votes, rather then participants seeking out politicians to assist in policy changes? Is it all about the sex and half naked men and women?
Yes and no....Pride is anything to anyone, but the main thing it is, is an ability to say LOOK let's celebrate like we do a birthday or a wedding. Two summers ago, I was in New York City at Stonewall Inn. I went to the bar on the 40th anniversary of the infamous Stonewall riots, the event that started the whole Pride Celebration. Where gay men and women stood up and said, no more! And let me say the personal journey there cemented the importance of pride in me.
I grew up in Alberta. My small town was used for the filming of Brokeback Mountain; and sadly the town looks and thinks a lot like that today. After moving to Edmonton to University, I found a safe haven inside my university dorm, where I was able to flourish as a gay teen and eventual man. I made my best friends and was active in 2 of the Largest participated events on Campus, both GLBT focused.
But all though the university campus offered some form of open community, outside of it's perfectly groomed campus, the city and the views of Alberta rained. Our pride was a parade on one side of the street. Protesters drove up the other side. We had maybe 300 people show up for the celebration. And everyone at the local bar knew each other.
Friends were called fags and homos. People were attacked. And vandalism and graffiti was everywhere. One guy, a drag queen, was beaten by 3 losers as he stood in an elevator minding his own business. And the amount of individuals who were closeted in the city were astronomical.
For those who haven't grown up in this environment, who aren't used to the potential hate and tolerance boiling just outside their shelter, I recognize why you don't see the need for pride. It is just a giant party for people to flaunt homosexuality. Heck they never have Straight Parades (yeah they do!). I understand your need to debate if we still need pride.But in response, I say yes! Remember we are just a small fraction of the world. The news broadcast about the crazy homo's on Church Street are a saving grace to teenage boys and girls across Canada. That one day, they might be able to have the luxury to sit in a Starbucks on Church st and say "Do we really need Pride Parades anymore"
So in conclusion I have to say: Happy Pride ALL!
