Pride?

[dreamer_2.0]

It's Pride time in my city and keeping with tradition a close friend begs me to go with her but I decline each year. This year she says I have no excuse, though actually I do as I'm scheduled to work the day of the parade. Rats. But she's right, I have no excuse to miss Pride, except well, perhaps one. I feel zero pride being transgender.

What about you? Do you feel any pride? Does your city have a Pride festival? Do you attend?

[crystalann]

St. Pete Pride here in Florida brought in an estimated 125,000 and it was raining but didn't stop the fun. We been going the last 5 years, I enjoy the kids, the vendors, the food and great people. :)

[KellyJameson]

I never attended mostly because I'm not comfortable in crowds but also there is to much overt sex and I would be embarrassed being associated with that.

I simply don't like drawing attention to myself needlessly. It always feels dangerous to do so.

[I Am Paula]

I go to several every year. They're just plain fun. I am too old to be stealth, so proud, why not? Each one of us in some small way should be an activist. Do something, help out, wear a tshirt. Something.

[Rogina B]

Enjoy the day and all the associated events!! Having all the alphabet kids on the playground all at once shows what we have in common..we're different! And it is fair game to observe what businesses,people and organizations from the mainstream world are there in support as well.Perhaps you will be pleasantly surprised..

[Badtranny]

Pride isn't about being proud to be gay or trans, it's about being proud to have the courage to live your life openly whoever you may be. Trans pride is really freedom pride, because you're proud to be free, and you're proud to have overcome the self hate and social stigma of being so.

Morons who talk about pride and complain "why don't we have a straight pride parade" are totally missing the point. Nobody is hating and discriminating on straight people just because they're straight. Gay and openly trans people are inviting all kinds of hate just for existing, and there used to be a time in this country when merely gathering would get queers and trannies attacked, arrested, or killed. The act of organizing a parade is a big **** you to a society that would rather we not exist at all. The parade says we are not afraid to be who we are, and that's definitely something to be proud of.

[Anne Elizabeth]

Badtranny

Thanks well said and for me thought provoking.

Anne Elizabeth

[arbon]

I'll be in Boise in a few weeks for pride fest there. I am not proud I am trans but proud to be myself today not living in fear anymore

[mymysterycd]

I agree with KellyJameson,
There is just too much sex being shown around in a Pride parade, as in the one in Seattle although I don't know about the others. I was driving with friend and her kids as the parade in Seattle was coming to a close, when a group of guys came out with their bare butts dancing and screaming. One of those guys grabbed the other guy's behind and started to do some sexual moves in front of crowds and traffic. Sorry, but I just can't be around that, especially when kids are present. I'm proud of who I am, and although I may express myself by my public photo shoots, and public dances, it doesn't mean I'm going to get naked and or offend people by doing something too graphic. But this is just my opinion. I know all parades don't do this, but I prefer groups and other celebrations which are a little more formal. Thank you.


I never attended mostly because I'm not comfortable in crowds but also there is to much overt sex and I would be embarrassed being associated with that.

I simply don't like drawing attention to myself needlessly. It always feels dangerous to do so.

[Michelle789]

We just had Long Beach Pride two weeks ago, L.A. Pride is next weekend, and L.A. Trans Pride is in two weeks. It looks like we're in the middle of Pride Season right now.

I may or may not be marching with MCC. I have my first laser hair removal on June 7, but the pastor said that I can sign up and decide not to go at the last minute if I'm not up to it due to laser hair removal pain or not being able to shave or cover up beard shadow.

L.A. Pride is putting the "T" first this year, so it's TLGB pride parade, and it's a huge move for the trans community. I'll be very happy to march if my skin and beard cooperates with me, especially since this would be my first pride parade ever.

The pastor also told us that we cannot dress as "hoochie mamas", we want to keep it clean. There will be children present, and we are a church after all.

The L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, where I go to my TG support group, has been officially renamed, last week, to the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Now they include the "T" in their name.

Here are a couple of links about L.A. Pride TLGB

http://www.echomag.com/features/la-pride.php

http://lapride.org/

http://www.wehoville.com/2014/04/24/t-time-csw-bills-la-pride-tlgb-celebration-shining-spotlight-transgender-issues/

[dreamer_2.0]

Those were a lot of really good posts, girls. Definitely thought provoking. Seems I've had a few thoughts challenged lately. It feels pretty good actually, I look forward to more posts.

[sandra-leigh]

I have never attended a Pride parade. I don't really know why not. I know there were years in which I didn't feel I had a good enough "excuse" to be out of the house on a Sunday morning, but there has been a good 3+ years since then where I could have gone. Two of them I used the excuse that it was going to rain. But I have to face up to the fact that something internal unknown is saying not to go... and then the next day I tell myself I should have gone. :sad:

[Rianna Humble]

I will be attending the second Trans* Pride event in my country on the weekend of 25 - 27 July (probably tending a stall for some of the time during the party in the park), then the following weekend I will attend the main pride event in the same city

[Starling]

I think a lot of us are nice, middle-class ladies at heart, who due to a joke of nature just happen to be Gender Outlaws. I'm a little embarrassed by the naked exuberance of Pride events, I admit, but I hope to learn to relax and join in the fun. It's the life-affirming thing to do.

:o Lallie

PS: Rianna, the main event is Pride London, am I right? I've seen photos of past ones, and it looks like a grand bash. I love London, anyway, and who wouldn't?

[Nigella]

I have attended 2 "events" related to TGism and both of them, at least for me was a flop. I felt I just did not fit in. Oh don't get me wrong, I am proud to be me, but I suppose that it would now depend upon the event as to whether I would participate.

IMHO "pride" events are nothing more than an excuse for the more exuberant and flamboyant amongst us to be out and about.

[Aprilrain]

I went once, it was hot (as in miserably hot) and kinda boring, I'm not much for parades. I don't really like the overt sexuality either, that might mean something if you're LGB but it's got nothing to do with T IMO.

[Sally24]

I have only missed Boston Pride once in the last 6 years! There are some over the top and scantily dressed people but mostly its just happy people out celebrating. I look forward to it each year. It's about embracing your choices and being proud that you don't let fear rule your life. Melissa said it best.

[Rianna Humble]

Rianna, the main event is Pride London, am I right? I've seen photos of past ones, and it looks like a grand bash. I love London, anyway, and who wouldn't?

Sorry, Lallie, I was not clear enough. I was referring to Brighton. I think that has now outgrown Pride in London (they can't call it "London Pride" because that is a beer).

[Phoebe]

Yes I will be attending Pride Fest in Minneapolis, MN at Loring Park, near downtown Minneapolis. http://www.tcpride.org/ai1ec_event/twin-cities-pride-festival/?instance_id= Probably will help staff the City of Lakes Crossgender Community booth as I have the past few years. I don't march in the Pride parade however.

[LeaP]

I stay away from the parades. A little too much FU to the world in relation to other aspects of celebration, I think. Alternatively, it's become a (primarily) LGB annual "carnivale" celebration. That's fine in its own right ... but perhaps also less about pride.

[PretzelGirl]

Next weekend I will be attending my fourth straight Pride Festival. Each year I try to meet up with friends and just enjoy it being a festival and all it entails. There is plenty of entertainment and it is quite large. I have watched the parades before and this year will go to the Trans Rally that occurs right before the gates open. There is some over the top behavior, but there is also a lot of great expression, happiness, and celebration going on. I find it very educational and I learn a little something each year about all our diversity. Last year I volunteered at what they call the GenderZone, but the volunteer coordinator changed up this year and I didn't quite get things straight this time to raise my hand again.

[*Maya*]

I attended Pride in London & Brighton in the past. They were awesome, good times.
This year I will participate in the Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run (5M) if that counts :)
I won't be 'in' the parade, but I will go see some of it and show T*support in the West Village.
It's a good day to be out and about, without the overt sexuality I'd agree, so hopefully I'll bring the average down a bit.

[Princess Grandpa]

I have attended several pride events back when I thought I was just a straight ally. It was important I felt to take a stand for human rights. Now that I realize there is more going on its a bit harder to go. But my wife and I will be attending the pride festival in L.A. This month. We will be in matching outfits, pants and blouse rather than a dress or skirt. I won't have make up on or wig or forms. I'm not quite ready for that.

Hug
Rita

[Starling]

...I was referring to Brighton. I think that has now outgrown Pride in London (they can't call it "London Pride" because that is a beer).

I've had London Pride, Rianna, but I prefer beers that, for the purpose of increasing sales, don't resort to the last refuge of scoundrels. And yes, I've heard that Brighton is a mecca for LGBTQ. If I ever get back to England, I'll have to take a gander, and perhaps even chew on a bit of Brighton Rock, at my peril.

:) Lallie

[StephanieC]

This is a very timely post for me. Our festival is next weekend and I wasn't sure I was going. The last two years, a friend at work had tickets and asked me to go along. It was one of the few opportunities to get out. By the second year, I knew people who were performing at the festival and I went to see them. This year, I don't know anyone performing and my friend did not mention going so I wasn't sure. But I was asked by some friends at brunch today:the LGBT community center has a monthly TGIF outing that will be at Pridefest this year and I've been specifically invited to that. I don't normally go to our community festivals...there are just too many people. I've never gone to the parade, mostly because it's really been on the edge. However, I do want to support people that still are struggling to do what they want. And I have lots of friends that really really look forward to this.

-stephani

[DeeDee1974]

Since I graduated college in 1997 I've always live in or very close to the gay friendly area in Chicago known as Boystown. Even before I really understood who I was, I made it a point to go. It is fun, and I like to see people celebrating themselves especially knowing the world hasn't been always been kind to them. Sometimes I would go alone and just observe and sometimes I would go with a couple friends.

This year I really wasn't planning on going. Recently I have been going to my ex-wife's house in the suburbs to relax and get away from the stress I feel in the city. But then my ex-wife said she wants to go and spend the weekend at my place in the city. So once again I'll be there.

[PaulaQ]

I go to pride events. I think its important to be visible. Its fun too. I'm thinking of going to the one in tulsa this weekend, if I can make it up there.

As for feeling pride in being transgender - yeah, not so much. I'm proud to be surviving it though.

[Starling]

"Pride" in this sense is not a feeling of superiority, but a hard-won acceptance of our own nature without disgust and self-hatred. I'm proud of my work, I'm proud of my family, and I'm proud of myself. And it doesn't even matter if my family isn't proud of me.

:) Lallie

[Sephina]

Proud to be Trannsexual? At 1st no but since ive come tonaccept myself ( or surrender to the inevitable ) however you want to belive it happens. Yes I am proud to be Trans, im proud to be different to be unique in a world that is always proving to be more diverse everyday. Proud of the fact that Trans awarness and acceptance is I feel light years ahead of the gay rights movement though some that have been struggling for years may not think so, but we have come a long way in such a relatively short period of time in recent history and thats all thanks to those that have come before us and have been proud to be who they are so that we can be who we are, even though we may not like it right now we will one day and that is why I say im proud also because being Trans has really helped me to become a better person. 3-5 years ago I would never have had the outlook on the LGBTQPA community I do now, ive never been against it I just never thought it was for me until suprise now im living it.

[Starling]

It's true--and that is about the only beneficent aspect to gender-jokerdom--that it opens you up to a whole range of experience and identification and makes you a bigger, and better human being.

:) Lallie

[Michelle789]

I marched in today's pride parade with MCC. It was my first ever pride parade, and a wonderful experience. I hope that putting the T first helps bring trans issues, awareness, and acceptance to the forefront.

[tina99]

.
... in their big transgender booth. Usually we have just a little cubicle. This year they put the "T" first. Although I don't care for the "one night stand" nature of some of the Pride events, I think that it's important that transgender people increase their visibility to gain more acceptance in the world.

Five years ago I attended the Gay Pride Parade in Guadalajara, Mexico when I lived there. Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico. That parade had just a few entries, and, unlike L.A., there was plenty of room to put out a blanket to lay on. I am TS, and was stealth when I lived in Mexico, although I prefer to be selectively "out" (to other LGBT people and allies) like I am in L.A.

Closets are for clothes, not people :) .

Since I moved to California and Mexico as Tina, no one here or there has ever known me as anyone else.

I am planning to move back to Latin America within two years, so I hope that the transphobic Catholic Church loses its control over the region in the near future. From what I have read, Argentina has made the most progress in the area of LGBT rights in recent years, and Mexico City now allows same sex marriage.

[whowhatwhen]

I was in the worldpride trans march this year, pretty surreal imho.
:)

[Angela Campbell]

St Pete has a large pride thing for 3 days. I didn't go. Way too hot, parking a mile or so away, and large crowds......nah.....

[Dianne S]

I've never been to one before, but I plan to go to the trans march this year. Badtranny summarize my reasoning perfectly; +1 to her!

[Julie Hall]

I was driving with friend and her kids as the parade in Seattle was coming to a close, when a group of guys came out with their bare butts dancing and screaming. One of those guys grabbed the other guy's behind and started to do some sexual moves in front of crowds and traffic.

I'm sorry your experience in Seattle was lousy mymysterycd. I was in the parade on a float made by the Emerald City Social Club and I didn't have that experience. There were a lot of semi or no clothed spectators that I could see from the float. This was my second year and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

[Suzanne F]

I attended the Trans Pride March last Friday in San Francisco with my daughter. I am so happy that I went. When we turned on to Market Street the emotion washed over me. 16 months ago no one on this planet knew my secret. I had hidden for 42 years. But not now, I was walking down the Main Street of San Francisco in a pretty skirt waving at people. My daughter was right beside me! I will never go back in the closet and hide .
Suzanne

[Debglam]

There is something extremely uplifting about being with thousands of other smiling, happy trans* people. SF Trans March was great this year, as usual, but the best part was seeing all the parents with smiling trans* children and thinking how things are getting better. Like Suzanne, I was also there with my daughter. It was a very nice day.

Debby

[mechamoose]

Boston has an awesome Pride presence. Fights over who can march where or when aside. The Boston Common is always so full of awesome LGBT people I can barely describe it.

(And some bears do deliberate enlargement things. Big nipples are hawt)

- MM