From the Iowa State Daily by Nia Balvanz:
June is Gay Pride Month. Millions of people across the globe get together to celebrate their sexual orientations...
...A crucial part of the merrymaking is a pride parade, a fabulous spectacle featuring leaders of the community, floats, drum corps, demonstrations for equal rights and - almost certainly - nudity.
I have never participated in one of these parades, although I am definitely not shy about or ashamed of my sexual orientation. I just don't understand why I'm supposed to be so proud of an aspect of my sexuality that I would go out and stroll about, most likely painted and semi-clothed, with a large group of my fellow revelers.
First of all, why use the word "pride" to describe the festivities?...
...how do parades of scantily and unusually clad people send a message of acknowledgment of accomplishments and skills in things other than being able to decorate oneself in a socially deviant way? Why must pride parades equal exposed penises and breasts? Yes, there are more to these parades than nude people. But is that what gets the attention? No. Because public nudity is not the norm in our society, these displays serve more to titillate the bystander and enrage the conservatives more than anything else.
Pride Month was originally a recognition for those who fought - yes, fought - for equal treatment of the sexually "divergent." Over time it has evolved into a safe place and time for people to express themselves in ways not acceptable in mainstream society.
How can members of the LGBT community keep the free expression and move toward gaining tolerance and equal rights, as a minority group, without cementing their place in the shocking and shameful corner?
By putting the Speedos, dog collars, and leather chaps back in the closet????
You know, it's really only the mannish Les-beings who have an issue with flamboyance.
Now for this morning's entertainment, the Teletubbies:
2 comments:
Once again ... hilarious video. How the hell do you find these?
I find it telling that you chose not to include the final paragraph of the piece. Allow me.
I hope one day we will be able to enjoy ourselves - in all our polychromatic glory - without alienating ourselves from the very people we want to accept us.
Mostly, what I would like to see happen is for nudity to become more socially acceptable, because that's not the case at the moment.
p.s. I'm not a mannish lesbian, having, among other things, waist-length hair and a propensity for running around in skirt-stockings-combat boots combos.
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