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
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