So, This Is Pride

A rant

This year's

Marching season is

Only a few weeks

Away.

As the local bars

And clubs

Finalize their preparation

For the onslaught

Of partiers.

Yet

I feel so lost

In this hubbub

Which celebrates

The birth of gay rights.

Cut off

At the roots

By the commercialization

Of a protest movement

By the business world.

Feeling

My struggle falls

Upon deaf ears.

Deafen

By the sound

Of loud music

And stacked coins

Being counted.

As the drinks flow

Across the countertop

To those interested

In a good time

Only.

Forgetting

The bitter years

Which people struggled

And fought for equality

Before the law

And society.

Of the bashings

And slurs

Openly condone.

 

Never mind

Legally sanctioned

Police harassment

By politicians

Displaying their moral standard

With the voting public.

As depression

And suicide rates

Went ballistic

Through the sky.

As the community

Continues to suffer

In silence

From unaddressed

Mental health concerns.

Hope

You enjoy

Your moment of revelry

That others fought for.

Author's Note

Before you label me, as being transphobic or homephobic, I am a lesbian transwoman. This is my opinion about the growth of Toronto's Pride Week and parade.

Reviews

[Emily B]

i've been watching the preparations in Lexington . . . maybe there is another way to celebrate. Without the alcohol and balloons, the Supreme Court has struck down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act, ruling that same-sex spouses legally married in a state may receive federal benefits. But it doesn't go far enough. We're not there yet.

[therisa]

The same can be said, for Canada, where the Transcommunity is still treated as third class citzens.

[Emily B]

i saw the six year old girl in denver got a favorable court ruling, Brandon W. posted a poem the other day with the words Two Spirit in the title, are you familiar with the term from Native American Indian culture?

[therisa]

Yes, Emily, I am, but I view myself, as totally female trapped in a male body. Not a dual spirit, in the same body.

[Emily B]

i guess i had never read it as a 'dual' spirit, i thought that the female spirit in the male body chose to wear women's clothes and work in the fields and cook. and that the male spirit in the female body chose to dress like a man and be a warrior, i have a lot to learn

[therisa]

We all do, Emily. It all part of life and being open to change and growth.

[Fallon V.]

Just because things have gotten a /bit/ better doesn't mean it's time to give up, call final victory, and start partying. Celebration is great, but it seems too many people have lost sight of the fight and remembrance in the midst of all their drinking and rainbow pantyhose.

This piece is important and powerful, thank you for sharing.

[therisa]

Thank you, Fallon. Next year, Toronto will be hosting the World Pride celebration, for the first time outside of Europe. It was lobbied for, because it would create jobs by the business community and the politicians.

[braylin smith]

this is true though and that is what's sad. instead of recognizing Pride as a day to thank people for being brave enough to stand up for our rights(that we continue to fight for) is turned into a day for us to get drunk and hook up with some guy or girl. really good piece!

[therisa]

Thank you, Hayley.