Follow up to Atlanta Pride post (m)

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-31-2005
Follow up to Atlanta Pride post (m)
16
Mon, 06-27-2005 - 4:11pm

Today I've been thinking over all that we experienced in Atlanta this weekend, and it stirred up some thoughts about our community and our efforts to be accepted and treated as equally as the rest of the population.


I was disappointed in some of the behaviors and displays that I observed. There were not many, but the few I saw lessened the family-friendly atmosphere of the festival. It was nice to celebrate the part of my identity that is a lesbian, but maybe being publicly acknowledged as a lesbian isn't as cool as I once thought. I used to crave that acknowledgment, but not so much anymore as I realize that being a lesbian is only part of who I am. I'm also a mother, daughter, friend, co-worker, etc. I didn't grow horns when I discovered my sexual preference. I'm still the same Kirche I was 30 years ago.


So I guess the point of all of this is that

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Avatar for poohntgr0163
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Mon, 06-27-2005 - 4:57pm
Here, Here Ting!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-04-2005
Mon, 06-27-2005 - 5:08pm
Gooooo ting! I think that is what it is all about.
Yes, there are somethings that do go on at Pride that do not represent us well. I used to take offense to it. I think now I see that they are just having fun and expressing themselves and I do laugh.
But, I do know that those are the things that most people focus on unfortunatly.
I feel the same way you do about how I want to be known. That is why when I do comedy I make it mainstream mostly. I want to be known as a comic not as a lesbian who does comedy.
Hugs, Laurie Check out my new blog. co-cl of Lesbian Life Message Board Email- didoangst@comcast.net http://didoangst.blogspot.com/ http://www.4-lesbianlife.com/
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2005
Mon, 06-27-2005 - 5:48pm

I was disappointed in some of the behaviors and displays that I observed. There were not many, but the few I saw lessened the family-friendly atmosphere of the festival.


Yes, just like every other social group/community in the world, we have our good and we have our bad.


I totally agree with you on celebrating our lifestyles on all levels.




 

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-16-2003
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 9:20am

Ting,


I've enjoyed your thoughts on the festival and Caly's (and all the pictures too).

Kim
Check out my

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-31-2005
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 10:03am

Kim,


You have given me a lot to think about, not only in your post but in what you have written in your blog.


For me, things like our lesbian social group and Pride events have given me some comfort and security and a place to say, "Hey this is who I am " and not be told that I live a bizarre lifestyle or have gone off the deep end mentally (things which I have been told since coming out). It has been nice to commiserate with others who have similar coming out experiences and how they affected every part of our lives. That sort of communion with fellow lesbians has helped me work through some of my own issues.


Aside from the lewdness of the weekend (and really there wasn't much of it), I really did feel like the purpose of Pride in Atlanta was to come together to say, "Hey, we've been discriminated against and we are still being discriminated against but we are making strides. Look at the barriers we have overcome. We ARE just as much

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2004
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 3:55pm

Well Ting, I can agree with you on all counts. Even though I can't hide what I am, I've always known that my sexuality is just a part of me. I'm also an aunt, a daughter, a sister, and a friend to a lot of people and also a cousin. I can't expect the whole world to accept me, I already have the love of the few people that do love me and accept me as I am. Not that I don't get upset about the political atmosphere, I do, but I don't get so wrapped up in it. I know things will change, in it's time. We have seen great strides in our gay culture. I'm not saying that we should be silent, but we can stand for our rights, with dignity, pride, and love.

But sometimes as a lesbian with some so-called barriers. I'm still a human being, that has a heart and a mind, and wants to better herself. All of the other things in my life, are blessings in disguise. Of course, I could be angry at all of the able-bodied women that doesn't want anything to do with me, because my disability, reflects the disabilities within themselves. But, I choose to love the ones that don't want me to be around, it gives me the chance of meeting my true love. And even though some of our Lesbian sisters, look right through me, even though it hurts, I still make my prescence known.

Thanks for bringing up this topic.

Edited 6/28/2005 4:01 pm ET ET by igentleheart




Edited 6/28/2005 4:03 pm ET ET by igentleheart

 


Hugs,


Sebastian


 


http://www.facebook.com/sebastianbruce

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 4:47pm

I don't post here often, I lurk more than not....my schedule is just packed most of the time.


I'm wondering which behaviors you found disappointing?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-04-2005
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 5:35pm
Awwwww ting-a-ling, I think you are on the right track.
Like you said, it is mostly a place to network and show they we are a part of the community. Yes there are some who are lewed such as how they dress etc, but the are fewer and fewer now days than before. I think that is another important reason to participate, to show that there are only a few of those types and they are not the majority.
If you go to my home page below you can see my quick time movie of gay pride. (Turn up your volume as the song is important too.
Most of the attendees where just regular looking people, shopping eating, networking and meeting friends.
Try not to think to hard, it will come to you as you evolve within your own comfort zone. ok I just hope you won't get comfy wearing only a thong out in public as one of the men did at our pride. Haaa.

Hugs, Laurie Check out my new blog. co-cl of Lesbian Life Message Board Email- didoangst@comcast.net http://didoangst.blogspot.com/ http://www.4-lesbianlife.com/
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-01-2005
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 8:14pm

I know for me ( and I think what TiNG is referring to also) is the fact that some of the people (Mostly the guys) who seemed only to want to flaunt the sexual side of being gay.

 *Hugs ~  Caly

aka  

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2003
Tue, 06-28-2005 - 10:12pm
Adding my 2 cents.. I agree with all of the posts ..Some out of each..
While I and ~S~ also have had no running desires to attend a pride parade, I am thinking within myself yes it's good that people can walk in unison to declare we are here ..we are proud ..and we are getting stronger in our rights.. On the other hand..I feel the people that display themselves.. well... so undressed... do give the people with sad sick minds

 C  >^. A .

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