We have our own group of asshats who come to our Pride parade. Generally every float stops in front of them and flips them the bird (literally or figuratively). This year, in a stroke a genius, someone hooked up speakers right where they were stationed and they were completely blocked out. Good work!
I was reflecting with some friends after the parade how its changed in the last 25+ years since I've been going. In the early 80s the parade was still pretty much a Mardi Gras experience. A few gay organizations, some drag queens and leather, a few politicians. Then came the mid-eighties - and the parade became a much more serious occasion...almost like a funeral. HIV/AIDS seemed to be everywhere and nobody knew what to do about it or how to treat it. Except blame gay men.
Over time, as HIV/AIDS became a chronic rather than terminal condition, this issue began to fade to the background. And the GLBT community became a political and economic force that could not be ignored. This led to a huge influx of commercialization and participation by politicians. While this isn't necessary all bad, some of it has a feel of 'hey its an event' so we're here rather than support for the community. Its one thing for the local animal clinic or restaurant to have a float, its quite another for Miller to have the biggest frick'n float in the parade with no real message supporting gay rights, but lots of hard bodied guys and gals gyrating to music and promoting beer. And the politicians - well some are actively supporting GLBT rights, but others seem to be there because 'its expected.'
Not surprisingly, the big issues this year were gay marriage, anti-bullying legislation, and partner benefits. I don't think there was a single reference to safe sex or HIV/AIDS. Is that good or bad? I don't know. What do you think?
no subject
I was reflecting with some friends after the parade how its changed in the last 25+ years since I've been going. In the early 80s the parade was still pretty much a Mardi Gras experience. A few gay organizations, some drag queens and leather, a few politicians. Then came the mid-eighties - and the parade became a much more serious occasion...almost like a funeral. HIV/AIDS seemed to be everywhere and nobody knew what to do about it or how to treat it. Except blame gay men.
Over time, as HIV/AIDS became a chronic rather than terminal condition, this issue began to fade to the background. And the GLBT community became a political and economic force that could not be ignored. This led to a huge influx of commercialization and participation by politicians. While this isn't necessary all bad, some of it has a feel of 'hey its an event' so we're here rather than support for the community. Its one thing for the local animal clinic or restaurant to have a float, its quite another for Miller to have the biggest frick'n float in the parade with no real message supporting gay rights, but lots of hard bodied guys and gals gyrating to music and promoting beer. And the politicians - well some are actively supporting GLBT rights, but others seem to be there because 'its expected.'
Not surprisingly, the big issues this year were gay marriage, anti-bullying legislation, and partner benefits. I don't think there was a single reference to safe sex or HIV/AIDS. Is that good or bad? I don't know. What do you think?