Gay Pride...

This weekend is the annual gay pride parade and festivities. As a gay man I have been criticized for not wanting to participate in theses festivities. I let that criticism wash right on over me. I have many reasons why I just don’t care. Call me a prude or whatever you like but I just do not wish to be around a bunch of half, or mostly, naked and drunk queens. A little gayness goes a long way in my book. Of course, the media is quick to find the most girlish, shirtless, guy with a cocktail in one hand and a dildo in the other…not to mention the harness he is wearing. I am serious about that as I have seen it on TV every year (minus the dildo-I added that for effect). I think this is tasteless and only aims to perpetuate the gay stereotype. I have attended the parade on several occasions hoping to find some sort of quality about it that would have made it worthwhile. Sadly no. I was miserable in all aspects. I decided right then and there that I would never attend another parade. Hell, I rarely go to the gayborhood as it is.

Getting down there is a hassle. The streets are closed and they charge a fortune for parking. If you want a good spot overlooking the parade route then you better get there at the crack of dawn. I think a lot of this is due to the fact that it is parade—plain and simple. I have never been a fan of any kind of parade, unless I am in it. Screaming kids, pushy adults, traffic, etc. Not my idea of a swell time.

I have been accused of not having pride in my "gayness," whatever the hell that is supposed to mean. My sexuality is not a big deal at all to me. I am who I am and I take pride in the life I have made for myself and the relationships that I have with my friends, family, my career, and I take pride in the love I share with Ron. Being gay has nothing at all to due with any of this. I am not the kind of person who stands on the front lines with a picket sign. I am the kind of activist that writes a check. I certainly do not need a parade to justify the fact I am a homo. I know, I know…it is about working through discrimination. It is about equality, blah, blah, blah. That is all well and good and I will continue to support the community by donating cash. I just prefer not to be seen and the pen will always be mightier than the picket sign.