4 Jul
Last Sunday, I stood for two hours watching and photographing the Pride Parade. I saw groups of Thais, Africans, Latinos, Filipinos, South Asians, Jews, and Muslims. Some were in national dress that identified their country of origin. The Two-spirited First Nations people were there too. They have always been considered gifted because they carry both the male and the female spirit. They were especially interesting.
I find it fascinating that our LGBTQ community encompasses many cultures. It was my fourth such annual parade and I think the number of these national and religious groups has been growing over the years. Canada is a haven for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from many countries. It’s where they can express their innate sexuality without fear.
I liked the multiracial aspects of the parade too. Many of the groups supporting the parade like the Ontario Nurses Association and Toronto Public Library were composed of a variety of the races that make up our city. Not all the people in the parade were LGBTQ. Many taking part were supporters.
Of course, I am fascinated by the sensual, sexual aspect of the parade too. But the public nudism which was also in the parade indicated a lack of respect for oneself and others. That was sad.
I felt that many of the million-plus people watching the parade were there as voyeurs. I suspect most were not LGBTQ. I wondered if they would ever invite a LGBTQ person home for dinner? Will they be showing their many parade pictures to their friends and giggling?
Here are some of my pictures. Thanks to Emmanuel Gallant for the use of his Jewish image. Ruth.
We never really know what to expect from a Gay Pride Parade. Sometimes it can be good and artistic; sometimes it can be excessive or even shocking.
The recent Toronto parade had a bit of everything from very synchronized dances to totally nakedness. It had people wearing extremely tight leather clothes and dog masks cracking whips loudly. It had a real diversity that would help anyone finding his “own style”.
I could especially feel this diversity through the numerous flags displayed. It was the first time that I experienced a Gay Pride Parade that puts forward that much multiculturalism. Thai, First Nations, Israel, and a lot of other cultures were represented. To me, they were nice touches that emphasized the already international dimension of the event. It is like a global message that reminds us that accepting our differences in terms of sexual-orientation is as important as being open to other ethnic groups.
Thanks for your thoughts on this, Emmanuel. We can expect to see a lot more different cultures when Toronto hosts World Pride next year. Ruth.
I completely agree with the author when it says that many different nations and cultures were represented in the parade. Actually, being Gay/Lesbian/Trans… has no borders. It would have been interesting to know the reality of these people with their different sexual orientation, other than the heterosexual, in the countries that were represented in the parade. Because, it is quite obvious that situations and acceptance among the country’s population are completely opposite depending the countries.
Regarding the nakedness we saw in the parade, I especially did not enjoy seeing 50 year old men naked, but they were representing a nudist association… I believe they were entitled to go naked. Being GLBT is more than simple and plain sex, but we should not be so surprised seeing people showing their butts, breasts… At the end of the days is a collective that is/has been oppressed for a long time, and this week it was their week. On top of that, what is a custom for me, wearing a t-shirt and pants, is not a custom in some African countries where they go half naked.
I think that seeing the parade where there were many heterosexuals, but they were really a lot of GLBT. I personally do not think that people who are not tolerant towards this collective were watching the parade. Why would they spend their time seeing some people that they despise?
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Larri. Doe anyone else think the spectators were largely voyeurs? Ruth
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