Why gay parades are important for heterosexuals

Photo: metroweekly

Any parades in the USA, for example, on St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, are a big and vibrant event.

And it so happened that my first parade in the United States was the LGBT Pride, in which I was not just a spectator, but also took part in it.

Tolerance. This is what America taught me in six months. I have not suffered from racism, homophobia or other forms of discrimination. It’s just that in Kyiv I didn’t cross paths with people who did not hide their gay orientation, with dark-skinned people. There were also few non-Slavs and people of other religions in my circle of acquaintances. And when I worked in the news in Kyiv, I can’t remember that we ever broadcast news related to gay people. Therefore, in this “bubble” it seemed as if they did not exist. But that's not true.

By contrast, Washington is incredibly diverse. People with white and black skin, Latinos, Chinese and Hindus, Muslims and Baptists, Jews and Buddhists. Boiling mixture.

And yet, when a friend called for a party to a colleague, and the door opened, as it turned out, her girlfriend, I was surprised: this mention was so unimportant, so to speak, “by the way”. Just like when, at a party with friends, I met a few guys who prefer guys.

But in America it became so normal that I stopped perceiving people exclusively through the prism of their orientation. Therefore, when my heterosexual friends told me that they were going to the annual LGBT parade in Washington and advised me to go, because it was so much fun, I agreed without any doubt. And not sorry.

Only registered users who make donations to the organizational fund can participate in the march. It can be either private individuals, groups of people, or private companies, non-profit organizations, or even countries through embassy staff.

Our societies are built on openness & trust #Equality is part of Nordic DNA! #Nordics4Equality CU in the parade? ️‍? #UnapologeticallyProud pic.twitter.com/89Dq8nZSBD

- Kåre R. Aas (@kareraas) June 9, 2017

By the way, in recent years, activists have begun to complain that corporations are now too much of an abuse for their advertising.

On the Capital pride a friend walked along with her company (and the boss, who came with her daughter... and wife - another surprise for me). They registered me too.

The participants had to sign a piece of paper that in the event of a fall during the march they would not sue the organizing company, and that they would give consent to be photographed.

After signing, we were given T-shirts with the company name, rainbow flags, rainbow bandanas, colorful plastic beads, water, paper fans, and canvas bags. Some companies gave employees rainbow umbrellas - the heat was incredible, it was only possible to breathe normally in the shade.

And we were given a bunch of “handouts”: the same fans, beads, flags, candies, caramel, which we distributed to the audience during the procession itself. And they flew like hot cakes.

The atmosphere was incredible! People were sincerely happy. They danced, high-fived each other, hugged and kissed each other on the cheeks, greeted each other with the words “Happy pride«.

LGBT representatives from all over the country really came to Washington for that weekend. Yes, there were men in heels, with makeup and in underwear.

But more were just smiling faces. A lot of heterosexuals came. I saw a huge number of parents with children, traditional couples. And one of the most touching moments: many parents came to the pride to support their children, accepting them and their unconventional orientation.

Such a special weekend celebrating pride with mom ❤️ ???? pic.twitter.com/RHtbpYCT7F

- Aaron Rhodes (@AaronRhodes) June 11, 2017

Then I understood why such parades are called “the holiday of love”.

Babineaux family at Pride Festival supporting #TransEquality. @shimmerandshade pic.twitter.com/FjFRTDehPv

- Capital Pride (@CapitalPrideDC) June 11, 2017

In the evening there was a concert with the participation of famous performers in America, among whom was Miley Cyrus.

#Inspired #Pride @happyhippiefdn @Converse @hot995 pic.twitter.com/VQ5cUzSJAV

- Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) June 13, 2017

LGBT is not a contagious disease. And if you talk to these people, you won’t run to the doctor every other day to change your gender. And such parades are important not only for gay people. They already know what kind of oppression they face. Parades are important for heterosexuals. After all, we must see that there are different people, other people. And they deserve respect.

This need to talk. Society is changing, no matter how opposed. Finally, remember the story. In the 6th century, the Christian Council considered the question of whether a woman homo, human. And, according to my professor, in the end the woman was recognized as a human only because the church decided that it was a sin to have intimate relationships with animals.

Please, let's move forward, not back.

The original column is published on the website of the Ukrainian Service.VOA».

ForumDaily is not responsible for the content of blogs and may not share the views of the author. If you want to become the author of the column, send your materials to [email protected]

Read also on ForumDaily:

Russian-speaking gays and lesbians start life from scratch in New York

How is the new sexual revolution going on in the USA

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.