fruit fly
by angelica osborne
“I think it’s because some/most gays are over it. The way I see it, it’s like
going to Disneyland. You go once or twice, and you really don’t care to go
again because you’ve been on all the rides and there’s nothing new.”
feeDback? fruitfly@ragemonthly.com
“Has Pride Lost Its Stride?”
I followed an interesting thread on “All Things Gay” this past week which started will be more and more come out until soon there will be Cher impersonators with
with the sentiment that Gay Pride (in this case, L.A.) has been going down in the goatees and Dickies kilts all around.
past few years. Is that a reflection of gay pride itself? Now, ordinarily I feel anyone I read one woman’s account af her experience attending a South African Gay
who says, “This ____ (parade, bar, city, Anna’s Linens, etc.) was SO much better Pride Parade which had only floats, no marchers as even those on the floats had
back in the day when I was here and you weren’t,” is often just trying to sound cool, many hecklers booing them or throwing fruit. Perhaps if L.A. doesn’t seem to have
but this is one I’ve heard increasingly so let’s say it’s true. Maybe this year had less as much action these days, a trip to Johannesburg next June might be eventful.
glitter, fewer rainbow boas or not enough pierced pectorals for some, but does I’m sure they’d love some help over at South Carolina’s Pride Parade where—
that necessarily mean that Pride is losing its relevance? Here are a few theories judging from the video I saw—all the people were IN the parade, there was hardly
that were posted: “I think it’s because some/most gays are over it. The way I see anybody there to watch. Regardless of the lack of onlookers, it was deemed “a
it, it’s like going to Disneyland. You go once or twice, and you really don’t care to huge success” and an important representation in a very conservative state. It
go again because you’ve been on all the rides and there’s nothing new.” “Younger might be that L.A. has spoiled its revelers with all the hoo-ha involving celebrities
gays have grown up in a more open and accepting environment than previous and “A-listers” but Gay Pride didn’t start as a “parade.” It started as a “march,” which
generations, Prop. 8 notwithstanding, and so fail to see the relevance of gay pride was simply walking down the street saying “I am not hiding any longer.” I think
to them.” anyone who wants to complain about Pride not being “festive” enough needs to
“I think as society comes to accept GBLT that this will continue to happen be- start bedazzling some spandex and make themselves more festive!
cause, it was once a time to show the world you were here and we weren’t going It reminds me of my older cousin who used to always tell me Six Flags was more
to be swept under the rug... maybe they aren’t needed so much anymore? “ fun when he was a kid because the rides were bigger and so that’s why he stopped
First off, I’ve been to Disneyland probably 30 times and can’t wait to go back going. I always assumed it was true until my auntie shared with me one day about
next week! Secondly, if the younger gays feel more acceptance then that is a posi- his “weak stomach” and how he throws up on anything faster than the quarter
tive thing and I hope that’s true! Lastly, I think we need a little more perspective rides in front of Kmart. So, if someone tells you Pride was “so lame” this year or that
outside of Southern California. There are Gay Pride festivals just getting started year or the next year—ask yourself if perhaps the person you are speaking with
all over the world! Shanghai, China held its first Gay Pride this year. There were no is in actuality the perpetuator of lameness! I’ve been to Pride festivities in NYC,
floats or feathered headdresses and only a few hundred people showed up, but L.A., San Diego, Palm Springs, etc and I’ve always had a blast! It’s like the saying:
they had the passion that comes from oppression and you can bet each year there Wherever you go, there you are. See you at Pride next year!
22 RAGE monthly | July 2009
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