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On the Cover "Pride 2002" Pride this year took on a different meaning than what it has meant to me in previous years. Maybe 'meaning' is not so much the word, but the perhaps instead the 'capacity' in which I attended Pride changed. I've managed to catch Pride in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle but each time, it's only been to the extent of watching everything go by. This year however, some friends of mine and I had the (stressing) role of actually entering the Parade in Vancouver. Talk about a whole different perspective on everything! The idea of "working" on Pride weekend is a completely different concept than the usual partying it up with your pals. It's all about being up while everyone else is returning home from the bars, making sure the float isn't going to fall to pieces as you get drive to get in line to your spot, making sure everything is going as planned... and then all of a sudden, it's your turn to go. The spotlight is on you! All your time and money is being put to the test and you're walking the route, handing out candy and other fun things to strange tourists who don't care if you're gay as long as you've got freebies to hand out, screaming "happy pride!" to crowds who range from outright rowdy to quieter than mice. You find yourself walking... and walking... and walking! "Does it ever end?!" you think to yourself, "How much longer do I have to wear this costume? And will they still respect me in the morning?!" In all actuality, being in the Parade actually made me appreciate all the work that goes into putting it on in the first place. Maybe it's hoaky sounding or lame or whatever, and for sure people will have conflicting views on Pride (it's too commercialized, too politicized, etc.), but until you are actually in the Parade and walking for numerous street blocks, one after another, filled with thousands of people, you never truly realize that all this effort is put in place for us and that these people are here to support us. Everyone. Someone asked me the other day why "gay people had to have a parade when straight people don't" (my immediate response was to tell them to go ahead and organize one, then) and I replied with, "Why not? We love who we are, we're happy and we're proud." It's empowering. It makes your adrenaline rush and makes you feel like you're unstoppable, and despite all the homophobes and discrimination in the world, you're free to be who you are. That's what it's about. It's Pride. Enjoy the issue! Michelle Walker tenpercentbent.com staff View writer profile View all articles by this author |
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