We get the girls and boys just want to have fun, but it seems especially odd that a rights movement as serious as the LGBT one, which has seen lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people endure decades of physical and social discrimination in their fight to be recognized legally and socially–as they most certainly should be–would choose sexually explicit caricature as a business card for what is arguably their most high-profile public relations blitz. (p. A4)
So, to my gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender brothers and sisters, who showed their "bits, boobs and bums" in the parade, I ask the question, what the hell are you doing?
Maybe you don't think your actions matter, but they do. Keep in mind you're not just representing yourself; you're representing all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. And it's pretty damn difficult for the mainstream community–which we are still a part of–to accept and embrace us, let alone to fight along side us for our human rights, when we appear not to have respect for ourselves or for anyone else.
We can do better than this. We must do better than this. If you can't stop yourself from being naked in the annual Pride parade, stay home.
*
To read in more detail why I've skipped the past four Pride parades since moving back to Vancouver in 2009, please click the following post titles:
"Pride," July 30, 2009
"Living Pride," July 30, 2010
"Views and Reviews of Vancouver's Recent Pride Parade," August 10, 2011
I've long tried to express this. I've refused to hold Parades in my area for that exact reason. We're beyond that. We don't need to be blatantly naked and repugnant. We are better than that.
ReplyDeleteWe are indeed better than that, Heather.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the shock value was necessary in the past, to get people's attention. But, now that we have it, blatant nudity is repugnant and uncalled for.
If we could only get those who indulge in it at Pride to realize how they're misrepresenting the community, and how we, straight and gay, expect better from them.
I'm so pleased to hear from you again, Heather. I checked out your blog several weeks ago and didn't see any new activity. Have you given up on blogging altogether?
Unfortunately, Rick, I've just gotten over engaged. I'm desperately attempting to keep my blog up, but it's a massive failure at the moment. I am working on it, and hoping that this fall will welcome a new sense of energy for it. :) Thanks for caring. :)
ReplyDelete