Gay Pride Musings
A little conformity is not such a bad thing either. To conform is to act according to accepted standards, whether it is how to talk to others, how we dress or how to react in certain circumstances. I consider conformity good if it forces people to be respectful or mindful, because manners are important, unless you prefer to act like a Neanderthal your entire life. I also think it’s advisable because do we always have to make others feel awkward and uncomfortable?
But by no means must anyone ever conform to peer pressure, for that’s when you’ll lose your identity, for sure. It’s a fine line. There are times when it behooves all to walk suitably, especially when it comes to work vs. play, but I digress.
In the face of adversity, we must hold our heads higher proclaiming our dignity. Allow the naysayers to chant and shout their words of disapproval and disdain, because that’s the fuel we need to stay strong, steadfast and true.
I’ve always been one that preferred seeing the faces of hate to know what I’m up against. So thank you, to all the ugly repugnant evil-minded haters of the world, because with your displeasure and vile behavior I become stronger, more resilient. Your "ugly" truly makes me look and feel even more beautiful. – paerki
*****
There was a time when I didn’t quite understand why we celebrate gay pride. I’ve come a long way in my journey. It must be said, I’m tired of it being so sexualized. Is that what we are really all about?
For me, it’s a turn off, thus my seldom attending the Baltimore festivities. There are ways to show off your physique, and it doesn’t include wearing a dog collar, underwear, Speedos, chaps & thong, jockstraps, etc, in public, and enough with the cute boy ads, too. Show men and women of all shapes, sizes and colors, and ages. I’m not a prude, but come on! Class, style, taste and intelligence… Why not express that at gay pride? We have come so far as gay marriage proves, but many still need to work on their self-respect.
Having respect for other people is difficult if you have no respect for yourself. The idea of self-respect is very closely related to self-confidence and self-control, but respect is more about what you do whereas confidence is about how you feel. All go hand-in-hand. All bodies are beautiful. Market yourself better by making wiser choices. Dare to choose quality to quantity. – paerki
*****
My gay pride is not about sex, drugs and getting drunk. It’s about honoring those who fought long and hard, and that continue to fight for our rights. Gay pride began as a march to protest the treatment of the LGBT community. Now we celebrate our advancements and accomplishments, at least that’s what I think we do. There’s a lot of good that comes from our community, but there is always room for improvement. – paerki
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At some point we are all minorities, some more than others. Yes, people will put you down because you are different, but that is no excuse not to rise above it all and shine. No one is going to do it for you, so do it for yourself. Don’t wait for someone to help you, help yourself. You must always go forward in life with respect, dignity, and grace, and with the realization that all must live together. What impacts you, negative or positive, will affect others in the long run, thus the need to make life great for everyone and not a select few. You might not see or feel it now, but it does affect us in ways that will compromise future generations if we don’t hold true to the center. When you drift away you choose seclusion, isolation, and that does more harm than good.
There should be no separation of gay pride (white vs. black, etc.). There must be one pride of all gay people. If you feel excluded, find ways to be included by using your voice in a constructive way, always remembering words must not hurt. Hands of violence have no place in the center, or anywhere, for that matter, where people are trying to make a positive change.
Festivals of diversity are to be enjoyed by everyone, and not just by those they celebrate and hope to unite. I dream that people, especially minorities, would encourage outsiders to come and see what they are all about. Show me your rich culture and heritage, your struggles and how you’ve overcome adversity. I want to see your fortitude and celebrate your accomplishments collectively. I want to learn about you, and hopefully you would want to learn about me.
I have an interest in ALL people. As my dear friend Ruth says, "We are all in this together." To those who read this, it’s time to talk about what is good instead of what is bad. There is a mandate in the world for everyone to move to the center. I am forever hopeful. I still believe much of the rhetoric I hear fuels the haters of the world, especially those deficient in education and with economic struggles, and it disengages those trying to make a difference. America, it’s time to better coexist! It’s now or never.
Happy gay pride, to all! Be safe. Be responsible. Be proud. Cheers! – paerki
