RE: Puzzled

I agree that the parades should be toned down now. I think that these were good to start for shock value and make people talk about the gay issue. But now, the issue is different, it is about rights such as marriage, health care, etc. Who is going to marry a drag queen or leather man in a thong? I am not jaded, just realistic. I think all those things have a place, such as the street festival tomorrow but not in the parade and not on the cover of paper. There are far more normal gays and lesbians out there but all that will be shown are the outlandish characters. The LGBT parades are the only ones where strippers and old leather men with their butts exposed get their own float. What is there to be proud of in that?

Puzzled

I am a gay man...out and not ashamed. But I am always puzzled by pride parades. If anything, they make me unproud. I feel like we fight so hard to be accepted as normal, yet pride parades always turn into a stage for the most extreme behaviors: offensive PDA, nudity, drag. I am all about promoting the cause, but I don't think we stand a chance when we host such freak fests. I opt to show that gays are normal by throwing on some shorts, a t-shirt that is is not too small, and a cap and doing the things we all have to do (not sporting a thong and private part jewels and bouncing about on a float). I love my gay "family" but wish some of you would tone it down so one day we can be viewed as "normal."

Not all that...

DC's parade cannot compare to NYC, Chicago, or even L.A. The parade is embarrassing in size and time of day compared to those cities. I've attended them all, and Chicago's is by far the most fun and energizing. But heck, at least we have one here that is somewhat enjoyable I guess.