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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 1, 2012)
HEADER gay people outside my circle (a failed relationship, the stereotypical, one-dimensional, drunken sex- monger) didn’t exactly fill me with pride. But that kiss — so open, so honest, so real — left me hopeful. A year and a cynicism-ectomy later found me in a serious relationship and standing outside the gate to Boise’s 2011 Pride. Although permanently residing in Portland at that point, I just happened to be in the area at the same time as the parade. I had never attended any sort of gay pride event in the past, primarily because of my past experiences. I fully expected shallowness to pervade the event and my expectations went decid- edly unfulfilled. I’ve always maintained that the focus of such events should be on people and not sex. Perhaps the media focuses on the sensationalized aspects of the parades because, while there were some people who, to me, fit the bill, it was just like any other gathering I’d ever been to before, just with GLBT people and their al- lies. I had no idea there were so many of us here. The sense of community fostered by the crowd out- weighed the few stereotypical moments. I felt so at ease that, if he had been there, I would have gladly held my boyfriend’s hand. In a crowd of strangers, I felt safe and connected in a way I had never before. I understand that Pride is not only a celebration, but also a reinforcement of our rights as humans. And while I do object to the sexual moments that seem inherent to any parade, it’s merely the context. Just like my evolution, Pride has evolved and as it con- tinues to evolve, maybe these ostentatious moments will be shed as well. Perhaps it is now less, “We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it,” fighting to even be acknowledged — and more, “We’re still here and we’re still just like you,” fighting for our rights. I am still new to Portland, but it’s impossible not to feel the community’s presence. The flags that adorn store windows, the incredible outpouring for this year’s Pride (that I unfortunately missed, but read endlessly about) and the supportive atmosphere; it’s impossible not to feel welcome and supported. And every now and again, when I feel like not too many people are around, I let myself enjoy the sim- ple pleasure of kissing my boyfriend in public. And I relish every second of it. August 2012 JustOut.com 19
