Well, it's June and that means Gay Pride Month. As the temperature warms up, cities all across the United States will be hosting Pride Parades. With three states passing same-sex marriage last month, look for a surge in summer nuptials. Additionally, the Supreme Court is expected to hand down decisions on two different cases relating to same-sex marriage this summer. This is probably going to be the gayest summer yet.

After reading the posts of some, I realize that many people have no idea what they're talking about when they talk about gay issues. They presume to place their political agenda onto the actions of gay people and assume that everything gay people do is political. Well, that's absurd.

SO... As a community service (and to provide myself an adequate distraction from the stress of studying for the bar), I am starting this thread. Feel free to ask any question you want. If you use offensive language, expect it right back. Don't be surprised if I challenge you on your fundamental assumptions.

You want to know what the gay agenda is really about? Well why don't you ask your average homosexual...

Now go ahead... Get asking!

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Continue that line of reasoning, Muffin... I'm judging you. Harshly.

thanks, good thread

maybe a stupid question and not what you're looking for.
How are these parades organized and who do you see to find out when it will be and who can participate? I could not walk that far but might like to attend and show my support.

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I'm not really a big Pride Parade sort of guy myself. I've been to three or four. Most of them in Dallas, but I have been to Salt Lake City. To be honest, I much preferred Salt Lake City. It was a much better temperature for sure, and the environment was much more... relaxed. More like a block party. But you didn't ask me to get into the politics and such about Pride Parades. LOL

Question 1: How are these parades organized?

To my knowledge, planning a Pride Parade is much like planning any other public event. You have to get permits and permission to use the public spaces. You generally have to consider security and all of that jazz. You have to recruit corporate sponsors who help defray the costs and provide promotional products. All of this stuff is generally done by some sort of board or group. The people who put on the parade varies from location to location. In your smaller cities, such as Santa Fe or Austin, you might have one person spearheading the Parade.

Question 2: Who do you see to find out when it will be and who can participate?

The best way would be to do a Google search for "(city) pride parade 2013". They generally have a website for the planning and to attract corporate sponsorship as well as volunteers. You can also try contacting a LGBT outreach organization in your area. They generally are involved in the planning and have information on the event.

It's my understanding that anyone can participate. You don't have to march in the parade to participate. The Dallas event had the Parade end at a park where there were booths set up. The booths were occupied by various organizations and businesses targeting the LGBT community. There are all sorts of different booths. People selling art, baked goods, etc...

If you really wanted to participate Salty, I think you could volunteer to sit at one of the nurses stations. Maybe talk to people about safe sex and things like that.

But even if you don't do that, I think you should go and see what it's all about just once. It wasn't really my scene, but I don't like being outside in the sun because of my cancer.

Hopefully that was helpful!

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Continue that line of reasoning, Muffin... I'm judging you. Harshly.

Just like every other special class/illegal to disagree with group of people, why does the group that wants to be treated "like everyone else" separate themselves by declaing a separate month?...

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"You get the respect that you give" - cnredd

If so, hope you enjoy like people letting it all hang out (public nudity), and if not, hope you bring your barf bag.

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What part of "shall not be infringed" do you not understand???

You know, generally cnredd, I agree with you. I look forward to the day that "Pride Month" serves no real purpose to my mind.

I don't have a problem with recognizing diversity, generally speaking. I don't think it takes a month to do that. I think it's perfectly legitimate to have things like St. Patrick's day celebrating (predominately) Irish culture. I think it's perfectly legitimate to have recognition of Passover and Christmas as holidays (in a secular sense, meaning that the public - read government - recognizes that there are many who celebrate). I don't think those are the things you're talking about but they are related.

I mean the question could be asked "Why do the Christians have so many government holidays if they want their freedom protected just like everyone else?". Personally I think it's a fine line.

I think as long as there is a need for Pride Month, meaning there is unequal legal treatment, it should continue. After that, I think it should probably fade or transform into something like St. Patrick's Day.

It's all about timing for me. I want to get rid of it when it no longer does any good. Make it fun then and only a day instead of a month just like the Irish.

Hopefully that answered your question. If it didn't, please feel free to rephrase. I'll do my best to answer as directly as possible.

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Continue that line of reasoning, Muffin... I'm judging you. Harshly.

Please explain how that is any different than this:

(Again, NSFW)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQcJOGZ3sZ4]Mardi Gras New Orleans - Adults play on Bourbon St. - YouTube

You can copy and past the link.

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Continue that line of reasoning, Muffin... I'm judging you. Harshly.

This is about as intelligent as posting examples of Christians behaving badly and trying to stereo-type it onto the group....

Or, I could link to Girls Gone Wild or sites on Spring Break behavior or Mardis Gras behavior and pretend it somehow indicated heterosexual behavior...

But I'm going to refrain from behaving like that...


WHY do you link to stuff like that then?

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“Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.”
~Abraham Lincoln

Except those aren't examples of people doing it for pride and IDENTITY.

Actually, before you responded I decided against including the links to footage of these parades and deleted the links. More than anything I just want to make sure saltwn knows what she's getting herself into here.

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What part of "shall not be infringed" do you not understand???

Umm those are people just being who they are. In both contexts.

Just because someone is at Mardi Gras doesn't make them a nudist. But a nudist could go to Mardi Gras and have a good time. Same is true with Pride.

You can't paint all by the actions of some.

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Continue that line of reasoning, Muffin... I'm judging you. Harshly.