I’ve been an out gay person for about four years. I’ve been a gay person for 27 years. I’ve gone to several Gay Pride Festivals, but only those held in Los Angeles. Today, was one of those times.
I go with great anticipation, excitement, and rejoice. I leave with lethargy, a headache, annoyance, and frustration. One thing that remains is that I know, for better or for worse, I am a part of that community. It’s not perfect, but it’s everyone being who they are and nothing but. To be surrounded by people who are all of the same minority, the minority of people that are not heterosexual, is truly amazing. We’re free to be ourselves, not worry about what people think or who is watching. One thing that people probably ARE worried about is being judged. Because a queen is queen is a queen. And a stereotype is a stereotype is a stereotype. People will laugh and people will mock. At themselves and at each other. It’s human nature, and not any group of people is free of mockery. If I continue on, I will go on so many ill advised tangents and rambles that nothing will make sense anymore. So i digress. Suffice it to say that I’ve always felt like being gay is a very small part of me. And that while I look the part, I don’t really fit in with the rest of the community. I don’t have many friends in it and I usually decide to stay out of a lot of the “scene.” But sometimes I think that maybe it’s a bigger part of me than I realize. Just because I don’t have a girlfriend, I have no real desire to date right now, most of my friends are straight, and I have a love/hate relationship with West Hollywood; doesn’t mean that i’m not a complete and utter homosexual.
Homo. Sexual. Gay. Queer. Lesbian. Dyke. Whatever you want to call it, it’s what I will always be. And while I may not feel the overwhelming sense of pride when I attend the named festival, I am very proud of who I am. And I’m very proud of who we all are. Everyone that is out there being his or herself, fighting for their right to be accepted, and appreciating everyone’s differences….gay or straight, single or married, black or white, short or tall.. I love you. And thanks.