Gay Rights Vs Gay Pride

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OK, had an argument with someone today about this and I'd like to get a different perspective on the topic just to see if I'm going mad.

I was having a chat with a friend and the topic of the Gay Pride Parade came up and I said that I would never march in it. I have and will always march for gay rights but I will never march in a gay pride as I am not gay. I see a pride parade as a thing for gay people to express themselves and to show that they are proud of who they are, I have no place in that, my pride is irrelevant.

Am I wrong?

(Side note: I would march in a parade if asked by a friend for moral support.)

Sounds reasonable to me..

You are correct in your thinking and what you believe; keep up the good work!

I actually agree with you.I am a firm believer in gay rights, but I have somewhat mixed feelings about "gay pride" as a whole.I think everyone should be proud of themselves and who they are, but objectively speaking.. I don't march down the street "COMPUTER SCIENCE PRIDE!"Then again.. I do have some negative sentiment brought on by a guy I knew in high school. I don't care that your gay... you can still act normal and not do whatever you can to annoy everyone in the world.

Hey Bob,THank you got your support in the world wide gay rights movement. I look at that as equal human rights and not try to single out just the LGBT communities. However, I'm not sure if you have ever been to a gay pride event. I have many, many times. I have marched in it waving my rainbow flag to carrying the names of close friends who have passed away from AIDS.. I can tell you this much. It's a time for most of us to show our pride of who we are because we have to live such a repressed and oppressive life filled with hatred and discrimination. Most Gay Pride parades take on a carnival atmosphere which typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street partying. People often dress up or masquerade around during the celebrations, which mark an overturning of daily life. It's funny though how the media love to take pictures and video tape the Gay Pride festivals extremes and say "See these Freaks?? This is what Gay people are"! But when straight people party and parade like that... Just just in good fun...Thanks again for all of your support for equal Human Rights!

Well I do agree with the gay pride parade, I just don't think my place is in it. Its not enough for the law to simply recognise the rights of all people, but for all people to recognise those rights too, whether they agree with them or not. This is what I believe is part of the gay pride movement and the famous slogan "We're here! We're queer! Get used to it!" So while I don't believe there is a need for a Computer Science pride parade (although I would support it!), I believe the Gay Pride parade is important for at least that reason, not mentioning the others such as the one given by Roc.

Hey Roc,I have to admit that when I was younger I was taken aback by some of the extravagant behaviour that the media would show of Gay Pride parades and it took me a while to realise that, not only is it usually specially selected material chosen and overemphasised by the media as you said, but that its also a party! And I have attended the last 4 Gay Pride parades in Dublin city, showing my support and cheering on my friends from the sidelines. And I have had conversations with people who, like yourself, use the event to celebrate the lives of friends who have passed and their stories are often heartbreaking.

Originally Posted By: NnyI think everyone should be proud of themselves and who they are, but objectively speaking.. I don't march down the street "COMPUTER SCIENCE PRIDE!"I said something to that effect a few years ago on this very board and was ripped a new one!My how times have changed.

Hey Damien,That was a few years back... But it show progress .... Right?

Originally Posted By: damienI said something to that effect a few years ago on this very board and was ripped a new one!My how times have changed. YOU DID WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?

Originally Posted By: Roc

Hey Damien,
That was a few years back... But it show progress .... Right?
Actually, I think it boils down to a certain person who was just out to get me not being around any more.

Originally Posted By: bobalicious

YOU DID WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?
I know! Scandalous!!

who would that be??I don't know anyone who would be after you to rip you a new one....

Originally Posted By: RocI don't know anyone who would be after you to rip you a new one.... But I know a few who wouldn't mind a go at his current one...

Some chick that was hanging out around here a few years ago. Don't remember her name. That's how significant she was to me.

Hey now!(Ouch!)