I had to travel to San Francisco this weekend, and therefore I had the good fortune of participating in the 41st San Francisco Pride Parade. My lucky star shone on me for I was able to drag Brilliant Sulk to walk in the pride with me.
Yes you heard that right. WE. WALKED. IN. THE. PARADE.
(Apparently it was not that hard at all to just WALK in a parade… When there’s a will, there is a way)
Yes there were “protesters”. Some preacher guy was on a soap box, literally, with a mike yelling something about sinners, and Jesus, and The Lord, and Wrong. A woman yelled back, “Jesus would fuck a man!” Laughter broke out. The preacher guy shot back, “You are a wicked wicked young woman. The Lord would wash your mouth with soap.”
Of course, I sure hope The Lord worries about more important things other than washing somebody’s mouth with soap.
For several hours, I basked in the gorgeousness of people. The joy of life. The wonders of possibilities.
I hesitate in taking pictures of people without their permission. I want people to know that I take pictures of them because I find them beautiful, that I can see their spirits shining through and not because I am gawking at them. I caught their attention and they posed for me. Afterwards, we blew kisses at each other. I had the urge to run across the street to tell them, “Stay fabulous.” I wish they could see this post. Stay fabulous.
When I pointed my camera at him, again I felt awkward. Despite the flamboyant make-up, he exuded quiet dignity. I lowered my camera, paused, and mouthed, “Could I take your picture?” He smiled in return. Then again, we blew kisses at each other.
I ended up taking more pictures of the spectators. The exuberance was uncontainable and I soaked it in through the camera lens. I found beauty in all.
Maybe it is because I am was a “theatre person”, I always pay more attention to what happens when the show is over. You see a side of the performers that are undeniably human and I find the untold stories fascinating.
The ironic thing was, at the end of day, the one picture I hastily snapped with my phone while we were waiting to start was probably my favorite of them all…
Amidst the droning of idiocy that we hear and read about every day, esp. that propagated by the network with an animal name, for one day, I was proud to be part of the human race, part of the American fabric.
Pride.
You can see all the photos on Flickr.
I am so disappointed! I could have come across the bridge and bought you a drink! Aw, man. Looks like Sodom at least treated you right, but next time you come you have to let me know. You could have come to Smokeland with me! Or Bezerkely! Sighs. Next time, let ol’ Seer know and you will get the best meal you have ever had in your entire life, I shit you not.
Thank you so much for the offer! I did not even realize you’re on the West Coast. (I guess this means you are doing this anon thing much much better than I have been! LOL)
I am looking forward to that one day when I will get the best meal. Now of course I am curious and will be dreaming about what it could be…. 🙂
That looks like so much fun. You got some great shots.
(And your previous post had me going to YouTube to get the Chris Isaak song Wicked Game. Man, I love that song.
What amazing photos. Does it sound cheesy to say that events like this make me proud to be an American, where the marketplace of ideas includes the bigoted preacher, the angry retort, and lots of big, feathery hats?
I was checking my Twitter feed while nursing my daughter on Friday night when I learned that the gay marriage bill had passed in the NY house. I took a deep breath and thought for the first time in awhile that things just might be looking up.
Your pictures are perfect- I can pretend I was there. 🙂
Mary Lee- Your comment rocks.
Awesome…I was there also and it was a truly amazing day filled with beautiful people…and yes, pride. Added bonus was New York’s law Fri legalizing same-sex marriage. Slowly but surely we might be proving, little by little, that we are capable of love and acceptance! One can hope. Great pictures!
I wish I’d been with you and Amanda but I know you two represented in the most spectacular fashion humanly possible.
xo
Wow–what a wonderful post, Lin! Wish my partner Sara and I could have been there! Thanks for sharing this beautiful expereince with us!
Kathy
So beautiful, so colorful! Thanks for making us feel like we were there too.
terrific pix. the second one is so evocative and interesting. but they’re all good.
Thanks. I hope it conveys a dignified imagery because that was what I saw.
Pride and fabulosity. What could be better?
Indeed!
Hooray for tolerance and love! I’ll never understand why the animal network or anyone else gets SO caught up about this. Love is love. Period. Love the picture of the 2 guys with the boas!
They are so adorable. And gracious. One of them saw me and urged his companion (I couldn’t tell whether they’re a couple or whether they’re just great pals) to pose for me. 🙂
your photos are brilliant! you’ve really captured the spirit of the parade and the beautiful souls of the people. that black and white one is genius.
but where are the pics of you and brilliant sulk? i need a fix of your face.
LOL. There is a reason why we both love putting a camera in front of us!
Love this Lynn Lavner quote: “The Bible contains six admonishments to homosexuals and 362 admonishments to heterosexuals. That doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love heterosexuals. It’s just that they need more supervision.”
LOVE IT.
I for one need a lot of supervisions…
These are beautiful! I take pride in the fact that a student once told me I am a “homo-magnet.” He had no idea how accurate his description was! Our high school has a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) and does a “Pride Prom” for students who wish to attend. It’s one of the qualities I love about my school. 🙂
THAT is awesome!