This is where I lose my few remaining LJ friends

[looflirpa]

Here it is, the beginning of July, and it signals the close of one of the major annual events in the gay community. I speak of none other than the hedonistic display of debauchery known as "Gay Pride

Comments

[argentus]

I understand how you can feel that way.

You never did strike me as a flamboyant person.

[looflirpa]

You're correct. I score pretty close to zero on the flamboy-o-meter.

Whether someone who is more "obviously" gay would feel differently about all of this, I don't really know.

[cant_pretend]

wow, someone speaks the thoughts of few. i have thought of this myself. i mean, there is no 'straight pride.' it sort of confuses me as well. i went to gay pride this past year, just because i was bored and my ex was going, and i thought, what the hell? nothing wrong in seeing what society sees us as.

to tell you the honest truth, i was ready to leave pretty early. i mean, sure there was eye candy (i won't deny that), but i mean, the first pamphlet i received was for the "naked boys" concert that evening and i didn't pick up the 'big gay bag' or the free packet of ky jelly.

if straight people went in there, i don't know what they would think. i was almost embarrased for myself for actually being there. so yah, whatever. i really agree with a lot of what you said, glad you had the balls to say it. =)

[looflirpa]

very interesting points.... thanks.

It seems paradoxical, but being gay is about so much more than just sex (or in my case, absence thereof). =P

[cant_pretend]

it really is. and yes, absense thereof, preach it, haha. =)

[ashen_idol]

While I totally understand your point of view, i want to try to explain why i personally find pride to be an interesting, and positive thing

[looflirpa]

I think the aspect of pride that you describe is totally fine. And Canadians are so famous for courtesy and good behavior that your pride events probably lack some of the freakishness that ours have.

I also agree with you that there can be a true sense of pride from struggling together as a group. I'm sure that's a big factor for some gays. As for me, I haven't done much struggling so far... at least not with anybody other than myself.

btw, you need a new hair dryer -- your hair has been wet for the LONGEST time! ;-)

[ashen_idol]

lol, i know, it's a problem for me ;) (the dryer)

control v

[alexanderwolf]

Of course, I can see how you feel. There is some amount of conflict between seeking normalcy and equal treatments, then going out to party and become a self caricature.

The whole point, from what I gather, is that people can go out to pride festivities and do as they please. It is like a liberating moment, one that couldn't happen twenty years ago. It is a nice thought in that way, to celebrate social acceptance and the ability to go all out, and totally overboard.

I guess I just wish it wasn't quite so wild / wacky, if it mostly reinforces stereotypes because of it.

It isn't for me, but if it is for whoever you are, then I say have a great time. If I was totally stone cold and forced my will onto others, then maybe I would think celebrating pride is deplorable and 'hedonistic'. I'm starting (or at least trying) to become easier going though, so instead I use the 'it's not for me' concept.

ah, but I am definitely glad you wrote a new entry!

Re: control v

[looflirpa]

That was no control v! hmmmpf. I made lots of changes from the version I showed you. =P

All I can say is..... with freedom comes responsibility.

haha

[alexanderwolf]

I just wrote the control v subject line to show you that I'm perceptive. muah.

With freedom comes responsibility ~ very true.
In many ways, freedom and security are not compatible as you give up one for the other.

[dizzyland1313]

I just came upon your journal.....everything you said is so true, I feel I don't fit in on wither side of the spectrum either. neither overyly flambouyant or super straight. I was invited to pride this year for the first time, and am wondering what kind of scandals would take place.......

Welcome!

[looflirpa]

Thanks for commenting. There may be more people like us than I realized -- guys who are gay and who are OK with it, but don't necessarily make a big deal of it and are turned off by the stereotypical caricatures.

So what did you do about the invitation to pride? Did you decide to go, or stay home?

- Lee

Re: Welcome!

[dizzyland1313]

your very welcome. oh yes I am going.......In my area it doesn't start till the end of july...... I hear it is sopposed to be really great, but I am not sure.... I will see....

Daniel

more like ... us

[alexanderwolf]

Of course there are lots of people who aren't 'stereotypical caricatures'.

By the way, I'm currently working on determing the actual number ;)