Gay/Lesbian/Homosexual pride parades

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

I don't know what the latest term is.

I want to ask how people feel about this.

The problem I have with it is that it's now called "Halifax pride" here in Halifax.

I feel I have to be homosexual to have pride in my city now. I'm ok with the parade, (although I'm against the act) but at least call it what is.

My company is one of the sponsors, which I also struggle with. It bothers me because we are giving money to this, while one of my customers is a non-profit adoption agency, looking for a few school supplies for an upcoming event and we won't give them anything.

What's going on these days?

[Yorick]

I actually think they create division. They perpetuate and "us and them" mentality.
I mean, how would the homosexual community feel if there was a "straight pride" festival, where married couples flaunted their babies or whatever?

Or imagine if there was a "polygamy day". Or an adultery day? Or a celibacy day? Having a day dedicated to celebrating whatever intimate actions one does with someone they love is all a little ludicrous to me.

I mean, if people are not to be defined by their sexual preferences, it's up to people to stop defining THEMSELVES by their sexual preferences, and just be "human".

But I understand the historical context and why the situation developed. It's just that times have changed.

[Beaumanoir]

Originally Posted by Yorick I actually think they create division. They perpetuate and "us and them" mentality. I mean, how would the homosexual community feel if there was a "straight pride" festival, where married couples flaunted their babies or whatever? Or imagine if there was a "polygamy day". Or an adultery day? Or a celibacy day? Having a day dedicated to celebrating whatever intimate actions one does with someone they love is all a little ludicrous to me. I mean, if people are not to be defined by their sexual preferences, it's up to people to stop defining THEMSELVES by their sexual preferences, and just be "human". But I understand the historical context and why the situation developed. It's just that times have changed.

This happens in a lot of situations (MENTAL NOTE: This is the 3rd time today I've had a bit of a go at political correctness. I'm going to start coming off as a bit dodgy soon! ) though, for example: We have the Mobo awards (Music of Black Origin), imagine how long the MOWO awards would last? I mean, aside from the fact that all we'd have is country and western and punk rock It wouldn't even get past the red tape.

By creating these events they're merely emphasising a difference between us which is, in the end, negligible! It does rile me. Maybe one day all the creeds, colours and sexualities will just become part of everyday life to everyone, then we can start focusing on our similarities rather than our minute differences.

[Chewbacca]

With the freedom of association comes the freedom to associate based on similiarity.

Perhaps they changed the name as clear sign of support for a segment of the community which in other States are treated with inequallity.

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

I'm in Canada and I don't know if other Provinces view it differently. That might have something to do with it though. I'm gonna get in touch with the mayor and ask him.

[JrKASperov]

Originally Posted by Yorick I actually think they create division. They perpetuate and "us and them" mentality. I mean, how would the homosexual community feel if there was a "straight pride" festival, where married couples flaunted their babies or whatever? Or imagine if there was a "polygamy day". Or an adultery day? Or a celibacy day? Having a day dedicated to celebrating whatever intimate actions one does with someone they love is all a little ludicrous to me. I mean, if people are not to be defined by their sexual preferences, it's up to people to stop defining THEMSELVES by their sexual preferences, and just be "human". But I understand the historical context and why the situation developed. It's just that times have changed.

This, plus the fact that these 'parades' seem little more than giant glorifications of 'free' sex, which I am against in all forms, hetero or homo.

[thecarrotdude]

Originally Posted by JrKASperov This, plus the fact that these 'parades' seem little more than giant glorifications of 'free' sex, which I am against in all forms, hetero or homo.

What do you mean by 'free' sex?

[SpiritWarrior]

People parading around naked and tons of promiscuity etc. is I think what is meant.

[JrKASperov]

Originally Posted by thecarrotdude What do you mean by 'free' sex?

Mostly the idea of sex with many different people, in particular having sex with people you don't care about/know. Also, the need to flaunt such intimate actions in public, removing the value of sex as an act of intimacy.

[Bungleau]

I believe there's a perception that homosexuality is synonymous with promiscuity. While there certainly are GLBT people who are promiscuous, there are many more who are not. And interestingly, the same holds true for heterosexuals as well...

I believe the issue comes with flaunting one's sexuality, which I *suspect* tends to happen at Pride parades and such. Flaunting sexuality happens in the heterosexual world as well, but people don't seem to pay as much attention to it.

I think that when heterosexual couples get overly affectionate in public, the response is along the lines of "those kids" or "isn't that sweet?". When homosexual couples get overly affectionate, the response tends towards "Gross!" or "Someone should do something about those people". There isn't as much of a tolerance or acceptance of it.

A local writer here stirred up quite a bees nest with this article. The title: Views on gay marriage change when it's personal. This appeared in the religion section one Saturday, and nearly a month later, people are still responding... on *both* sides.

So what's the real issue? Is it whether a company or community supports such a parade, or is it whether it does so in lieu of some other (perhaps more) worth cause, like supporting a non-profit adoption agency.

BTW, adoption is not cheap, and don't forget - there's a difference between "non-profit" and "not profitable". People often assume that non-profits don't have much money, and many don't. However, they're non-profits because their *intent* is not to make a profit. If they do, that's perfectly fine... I have several friends who have adopted children, and I think the starting point is around US$10,000...