Yeeeee Ha!

[Chadd 916]

I'm not trying to start a debate here, either. I was just raising a question. My point is that a conversation such as this one necessitates these labels. How else are heterosexuals (the "we") to address homosexuals (the "they/them")? And vice versa?

To be completely honest, I didn't even see the need for such a topic. I've never understood the need for some homosexuals to be recognized primarily by their orientation. You like dudes? Keep it to yourself. You don't see me starting websites for heterosexual hockey players or going out of my way to make it known that I like having sex with women.

You've never understood the need, mainly because you sound as though you are a part of the cultural majority. Why aren't there any 'white pride'(racist jackass rallies aside) or 'straight pride' parades? They've asserted their dominance for decades, no need to state the obvious. It's important for marginalised peoples to make their place in the world known lest we 'blend in' so much that we dissapear.

LkptTiger:

I agree to a point. It's somewhat disingenuous to hold rallies and parades celebrating your uniqueness, while expecting to be treated equally. I am all for equality; sexual, racial, religious, etc... but too many groups attempt to set themselves apart and not come together.

Trippingblue:

I have a few issues with what you're saying. First of all, if someone were to organize a white pride event, they would be called racist. It wouldn't matter what their intentions were, that's how they would be labeled by the media and critics. Not to mention the fact that white people are then quickly broken down into subsets based on geographical heritage, politics, etc... Many ethnic groups do have festivals though, I have been to Irish, Greek and Italian festivals that celebrate their heritage without causing controversy. Then again, those groups rarely have parades or protests.

Second:

Why is blending such a bad thing? I'm not saying that you should change what makes you who you are, but those who feel the need for higher visibility will always get a negative response from those who don't agree with their views. I'm much more supportive of gay rights than the average person but I still get turned off by some of the more over-the-top parades and events. It's hard enough when you're dealing with ultra-conservative religious types but the guys wearing a studded choker, chaps, g-string and a leash on TV is hurting your cause.

[Trippingblue 1]

Trippingblue:

I have a few issues with what you're saying. First of all, if someone were to organize a white pride event, they would be called racist. It wouldn't matter what their intentions were, that's how they would be labeled by the media and critics. Not to mention the fact that white people are then quickly broken down into subsets based on geographical heritage, politics, etc... Many ethnic groups do have festivals though, I have been to Irish, Greek and Italian festivals that celebrate their heritage without causing controversy. Then again, those groups rarely have parades or protests.

That's a fair enough point, to be sure. Growing up in Montreal, I went to plenty of festivals celebrating the ethnic diversities of my city. I think my position still remains valid, however. Rallies and parades still serve a purpose, to give people who are normally forced to adopt the culture of the dominant society a chance to take back what is usually denied.

Second:

Why is blending such a bad thing? I'm not saying that you should change what makes you who you are, but those who feel the need for higher visibility will always get a negative response from those who don't agree with their views. I'm much more supportive of gay rights than the average person but I still get turned off by some of the more over-the-top parades and events. It's hard enough when you're dealing with ultra-conservative religious types but the guys wearing a studded choker, chaps, g-string and a leash on TV is hurting your cause.

My response to your point is almost the same. You said you've been to many other cultural festivals that celebrate one's heritage. If we all truly blended, it would be...well...boring. The over-the-top nature of these parades is for the same reason Rose Bowl floats are so flamboyant. Not because they were both probably designed by gay people, but because it's just plain fun! Not to mention the fact that it's a parade. If you didn't want to be seen, why march in the first place? I'd say a great majority of attendees are just there to have a good time and look as normal as you or me in most cases. The leather-and-leather, latex bondage tranny stuff you see is actually a very small subsect of gay culture. It just happens to sell itself so well on tv, and further advances the media depiction of stereotypical gay behaviour.

--nick--

[Chadd 916]

Rallies and parades still serve a purpose, to give people who are normally forced to adopt the culture of the dominant society a chance to take back what is usually denied.

Nobody is being forced into anything, it's not like gay people are forced into being hetero the rest of the year.

[psh 25]

That's all well and good (and respected/appreciated). Still, I guess I just fail to understand the compulsion to make one's private life public.

Isn't wearing a ring on one's left hand or having a marriage ceremony essentially making one's private life public?

[Jarick 5]

Well part of human nature is that like attracts like. For most of us, I'll bet our best friends aren't 20 years younger or older, a different ethnicity, a different orientation, maybe not even a different religion. There's nothing wrong with that, it's just a fact of life. Doesn't mean you should put anyone down or disrespect them, it just means most people enjoy the company of people similar to themselves.

Maybe gays don't group themselves off together solely because they want to avoid harassment, but because they share similar interests, views, etc. Especially in a society like the US with so much diversity.