A LGBT parade - panic, panic, panic

[Aka_Donna]

Ok, now I'm anxious. A local group is having a LGBT parade Sat and we are kind of friend with the leader. We went to one meeting and they were talking about making political statements and we are not activists, so dropped out of meetings.

Thus, oh they are having a parade Sat, Ho Hum. Might perhaps watch, but most likely not.
And then, and then. Last night wife says we should really work to be in the parade.

Whoa, say what? What does this mean? We have not announced the CD activity.
If we go out Sat, do we say more than have a gay son? Do we dare say, oh, and I CD?
If so, is there a nice way of saying it without just blurting it out? Clearly need to discuss so we are on the same page. But if she wants to come out a bit. What do I say? Anyone have any suggestions? I'm walking blind here and concerned about blowback and ackwardness.

Come out of cave? Ideas?

[Debbie Denier]

I would compromise. Go to the parade with your wife . See how it goes play it by ear. If you feel comfortable maybe participate.You dont have to come out to them on the day. Its up to you what you want to do in the future.

[char GG]

I don' t think you really need to explain anything. Attendance just shows that you are showing support for the LGBT community.

In the past, I worked a booth for LGBT pride event. Personally, I'm not part of the LGBT community. However, since I know many people that are, I wanted to show my support. I was never questioned as to why I was there. There are people from all walks of life that were doing the same thing. You don't need to CD, wave a flag, paint a rainbow on your face, or anything. Just BEING there is enough.

[Stephanie47]

I'm right there with Char. Marching in the parade is nothing more than making a statement that you're in support of the LGBT community. Nor does watching the parade confer any more than support. The parade this weekend in Seattle is televised and it is estimated there will be 400,000 people lining the street. With the political climate these days being so anti LGBT by some factions, it really is necessary to support our neighbors.

[Mary Loo]

It is a wide and diverse population we live in these days. The LGBTQ+ acceptance or at least tolerance has continued to grow over the years and will continue even if it isn’t as high as many would want. As others have said, just being in attendance makes no statements other than you support the cause/community.

Strange thought, but ask your wife what she meant. Clarify what she is expecting, then go and enjoy the parade.

[docrobbysherry]

Why r u asking us?:straightface:

Ask her!:battingeyelashes:

[Aunt Kelly]

Yes, get out of your cave. There is no safer venue for being out than a Pride celebration, and there are few more effective actions than being there to be counted.

[Shelly Preston]

I think you should ask your wife first.

However, I suspect it will just be turn up to the parade and support those participating.

[GaleWarning]

Are you saying you have a son who is gay?
If so, invite him to join you at the parade.
He will appreciate your support.

As others have stated, just being there makes a statement.
And it is true that the LGBTQ+ community is under threat.

Enjoy yourselves!

[TheHiddenMe]

I don't understand your question.

Are you planning to go dressed? If so, it's a great opportunity to get out because people are accepting.

If you go as your male self, nobody will assume you're gay or bi or a CD or anything else, just that you're there. You don't need a reason, as Char so eloquently said.

Quit overthinking and just go.

[kimdl93]

Obviously, this is up to you, but your wife is encouraging the two of you to be in the parade, so my goodness, why not come out of the cave indeed!

You may want to clarify how she imagines you will be dressed. I think its even appropriate for you to suggest that you would like to join the parade dressed as a woman.

[Dutchess]

My daughter and I and ALLLLLL her actor friends from a production they are all currently in together just went to the BIG one here in Hollywood and we had a great time- this one was the first since the pandemic.. I see it as a big happy party .. Daughter nor I are anything but straight as well as 80% of her friends with us last week .. doesn't matter at all.. you don't need to let everyone know your personal business to attend. Most all of us have been to many of them all over and its always a happy event.

[alwayshave]

I go to the parade in DC every year as my male self. I go to support everyone in the community, not because I'm saying I'm a CD.

[April Rose]

DO it.......:devil:

[Heather76]

I did not read the other responses as I don't want my opinion to be influenced by the thoughts of others. That said.....

Is there any reason you cannot participate in the parade as anything other than a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community? Should anyone ask why, simply state you believe all people should experience universal acceptance regardless of sexual orientation? You know, there are many, many straight men and women who do not CD that actually believe that.

[Aka_Donna]

thank you all for comments. My fears shut down my brain. Ok with Sat now. thanks

[KitCat]

You are allies firstly.
If you want to say more than that its up to you but i think most people will accept that as an answer and move on to the weather or something else

[GaleWarning]

thank you all for comments. My fears shut down my brain. Ok with Sat now. thanks

Please let us know how it goes.

[Aka_Donna]

Mostly a non event. No trauma. We ended up as observers not participants. It's hot here and the heat is effecting us more this year so we joined in the parade launch and then again at the end of the parade. Just had rainbow wrist bands. Probably about 60 in the parade and the city fire truck.

[dawnmarrie1961]

Several yrs ago I went to a church that was involved in the local PRIDE parade. I let myself get talked into riding on one of the floats.( Actually it was more hanging off the back of the float in a dress and hanging in for dear life.) It was fun. We played and sang Lady Gaga's song "Born this way".

[Di]

Glad you stopped over thinking it and went.
We helped plan and join in every year and boy do I miss it .
They have committees usually that plan and work on things that might be fun for you and your way to do for next year.
Glad you see everyday people join in and support LGBT community .

[Aka_Donna]

The funniest part is friend leading the parade was in a new white BMW convertible with a flag that covered the entire hood. I was so captured by the car and the banner, that I didn't notice he was driving. Even thought we were with 12 feet of him.

[char GG]

I'm glad that you went and had a good time.:)

The show of support means a lot.

[Brenn]

You can certainly go an be an "ally" without revealing anything. I have to admit though that I have been mostly turned off by these events because of the over-the-top activism.