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I know, I am holding the sign upside down... It is a gift really.
On May 22, 2011, Long Beach, CA, held its annual Gay Pride Parade. I went to support and help out the organization I work with, but to be completely honest, I was very much out of my element, and very conflicted.
Attending a Christian private university, and growing up Christian (catholic), we are taught that homosexuality is not a lifestyle that believing and active Christians take part in. I did, and still do, fully believe in the bible, and in my faith, but was conflicted on many of the statements in it. In the end, I decided to help out, because, (a) regardless of my faith, we are all common people struggling to make it in the world, and we need each other, and (b) I realized that I had been judging/observing a group from the sidelines, that I knew nothing about. So I went. I didn't share my internal conflict with too many people, but I wanted to help, and I wanted to learn.
We passed out our hotlines, along with other domestic violence shelters and Aids awareness organizations, to help spread the word that we are there to help within the Long Beach community.
I have marched in plenty parades before, but I had the most fun at this one. The atmosphere was comfortable, and overall, I just felt accepted. It was pretty awesome, really.
The one problem I did have, and many others seemed to comment on this as well, was the overwhelming presence of sexuality sprinkled throughout the parade. I did not find it productive to advertise strip clubs, penises, or S&M in a parade. My director asked one S&M group, "so what is the purpose of your entry?" Their response was essentially to show that we do what we want. But, there were children and families present. There are some adult lifestyles and activities that should remain with adults because of the nature of the activity, and these are some of them. Call me a prude, I don't care, but I am sticking to that.
I also found the presence of religion at the parade interesting. There was a church group actually marching in the parade, with signs of acceptance and love.... and of course, controversial theology. It was interesting to see the responses to them- Many people didn't know how to respond at all. Then, there were groups and churches protesting and yelling on sidelines... you know, to inform them that they were going to hell and all, in case they didn't know. (fyi, that's sarcasm)
Overall, I am glad I did it, and if I ever have the opportunity to do it again, I would.
