We’d discussed the expansion of he Queer political minority to 10% when the heterosexual majority excluded a member for any deviance . The gays graciously inclusive accepted the discards. Now however with the polical ascendancy of the fringe a fellow had told me that he felt excluded as ‘not gay enough’ . He identified as gay but couldn’t remember the last time he had sex.
“It’s not about cocks today, it’s where you shop? He replied.
Given the number of banks marching in the Pride Parade it really was as much about pride and lust as lust, avarice and gluttony if one was thinking theologically. Pride isn’t about that though but rather the antidote to the shame. “Velvet Rage, growing up gay in a straight mans world” by psychologist Alan Downs speaks to the shame that is such a part of the experience of exclusion.
Here the disparate groups of once truly fringe folk have coalesced into a minority lobby along with their friends.
As part of consumer society the LGBT movement has gained financial and political weight. Once a fringe expression against the criminalization of sexuality or just plain marginalization. The Pride Parades began in protest and rapidly became solidarity. 1969 Stonewall Riots began the roll back of the State scapegoaintg of another minority. I couldn’t help but think of the Irish and the Irish Parade, actually the last parade I attended, wearing a great green hat on the occasion. The Pride Parade now competes with the Chinese New Year Parade for loudness and colour.
I hadn’t been here in more than a decade because of a conflicting medical conference. I’d wanted to go to support the Recovery community a significant presence. The Last Door Float is a sensation. I loved seeing those Clean and Sober dancing in the street. There was significant representation from the native societies andMetis. I loved the Durex Condom group, lots of fun and frolic indeed. I’ve always loved what began as Dykes on Bikes but now even included a unicycle.
In the audience which lined the sidewalk six deep it seemed there were more young people. I am getting old. Still lots of skin and and youth and beauty along with young families. Lots of Asian but people of every origin and mix. Typical Vancouver. Truly diverse. Rainbow shorts and capes and ribbons. Multicoloured ballon’s and loud club music. Costumes were way over the top. Lots of sparkle and glitter.
When I was growing up being gay was illegal. I didn’t know it then but later learned even heterosexuals were restricted to missionary sex. State and religious control was intrusisive and ubiquitous.
The basic message of Christianity was “Love God and Love your neighbour as yourself “ but the son of man and son of God who said that was killed by the church and state. No wonder aliens tell their children to lock their doors when they fly past the earth. They kill God there.
After the despair of COVID’s and lockdowns I was thankful to be dressed up participating in this freedom celebration. Tamara Lich of the Freedom Convoy is still persecuted by Ottawa even as farmers protest more government overreach and abuse of power. The sadness is we are said to get the government we deserve. Ironically the Pride Parade invites humility. These are the jesters and this is the circus. Would there were such a parade for the bankers, judges, money launderers and drug dealers. I imagine it would be very dull in greys and blacks, men and women in suits frowning and not dancing.
I was glad to come and go. A huge turn out. As much as any parade it seemed this was just a chance for laughter and play. Certainly this beautiful city by the sea on this hottest of days was glad to participate.
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