Well, I went down and met up with Brian to see Pride Parade today. Brian found a spot right in front of Willy's by the park, so we watched it from there. It took a while for it to get going, but it didn't disappoint. This was the first parade I've been to since I was about 10, and it was my first Pride Parade EVER! But I was excited. There were a ton of people that came out to see the parade too, and many straight couples and people came out as well. As well they should, it was quality entertainment. I ranged from emotions of laughter, curiosity, and being deeply touched as I watched the numerous floats and groups make their way through. Moments of note included the contingent of ex-military/veterans dressed in BDU's and carrying the American and US military flags. It was touching to me to think of how these people served for our country, and sacrificed so much, and above that at the personal and emotional toll of being closeted to do it. My other moment of note, was when the PFLAG (http://www.pflag.org/) group came through. This group is essentially Parents, Family and friends of Lesbians and Gays, and their support was touching. Especially one very forthright man who simply carried a large poster sign that read "I Love My Gay Son." It said so much to me beyond that he was supportive... more that he was willing to risk embarrassment and condemnation by openly admitting that he has a gay son, and that he loves him. I got really choked up. It still chokes me up. On top of that were the great moments in between of hilarious drag queens, and floats of every other kind. The huge companies like Coca-Cola, Delta, Southtrust, Bank of America, and others who came out and supported the community. The group of gay and lesbian police officers from the Atlanta Police Department who rode by on their float, led by the APD Gay and Lesbian liaison officer. All in all it was a treat, and I'm surprised I haven't gone before now.

I really didn't expect much out of Pride weekend. It has never really done much for me in the past... as far as making me feel happy or anything. But, I don't know. This weekend has really renewed something for me. I still have the same insecurities as before, and nothing monumental has changed for me. But I do feel it has helped me feel different somehow. I think this is why Pride weekend is so important. I've heard straight people argue that "we don't have a straight pride weekend, why should there be a gay pride weekend?" But, I just don't buy that rhetoric. When you're a member of a minority community, you need a weekend like this to be reminded that there are others... many others... who are out there who are just like you are. It's redeeming in that way, and once you're able to take in the oddity of the spectacle... The drag queens, the leather, and the fringe of the community, you become content that there's a corner of this place that is yours, that is comfortable, and is where you truly belong.

And as promised my 2005 Pride picture gallery:
http://pics.livejournal.com/radioacc/gallery/00002590

Happy Pride.

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