Recent edit – Next Pride in Margate 21 July 26th July 2008. See link at the bottom!
In my short life time (I’m still in my 30’s, but only just) things have changed beyond anything I could imagine.
In the 1970’s and early ’80’s you could count the number of famous gay people on one hand. A gay character on TV was a novelty, and considered by many to be shocking.
Discrimination against gay people was perfectly legal and many laws specifically were discriminatory.
Things are so much better now. Being gay, lesbian or bisexual is perfectly acceptable these days, to the majority of people, and barely provokes a raised eye brow. When my son asks if he can marry me – of course, I explain why he can’t. When he asks if two boys can marry I’m pleased to be able to tell him they can. It’s not an issue. He knows lesbian & gay couples and considers it to be normal, children do accept these things.
So, in this day and age is there a place for a Gay & Lesbian Pride Celebration?
Unfortunately, twice in the last year alone I’ve seen children under the age of 10 taunting others by calling them “Queer” or “Gay” as an insult. As long as being QUEER is thought of as inferior then there will be a need for a balance. It may be easier these days for youngsters to grow up differently. But note I wrote easier, not easy.
Readers of the local news papers will know that violent anti-gay attacks still take place.
I am quite happy to go to Gay Pride but I know others will stay clear of Margate because they are embarrased or affraid to be associated publicly with gay folk. Even if they are themselves in that camp.
Click on my what’s on page to find a link detailing Margate Gay Pride this Saturday.
If you are interested, good introduction to history of “Gay Pride” here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_pride_parade
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