pride 2013

There were significant political victories to celebrate this year, so I went out to Twin Cities Pride today. It's the 3rd largest celebration in the USA, estimated at 400,000 visitors over the whole weekend. It's said to be the largest non-gated pride event, meaning that visitors come and go as they please, since there is no admissions gate (or the likely attendance ticket fee that goes with it). Frankly, it's too large for me. I skip Sunday altogether, so I always miss the hours-long parade. I always think they should just move it out to the state fairgrounds, but then everyone would miss out on nice opportunities like canoeing.

I've attended many pride celebrations in Texas, and I was active in political student groups too. People who knew me back around 1989 might remember my fondness for pet rabbits. I even took one with me on a road trip from College Station to Dallas for a student group meeting one year. So it should be no surprise that my favorite part of Pride this year was the rabbits.

The large map is divided into different areas, one of which includes the various pet-focused groups of the Twin Cities. My employer was represented there too. I also visited the table for a houserabbit association this year, and I enjoyed looking at their pet bunnies. Also good were the two natives who were running around the busy lakeshore foraging for food.

The religious section is always a large area. It's usually located on the southwestern corner near the church that usually flies rainbow colors during the weekend celebration. A great many church groups are always there to publicize their welcoming philosophy. This year also had hecklers standing nearby. Not as much "fun" as the Westboro group, but entertaining nevertheless.

As I left, I noticed while waiting at the bus stop that local businesses were also courting GLBT patrons. Here is a photo I took of Brit's Pub flying a rainbow flag among the others on display.

Still, though, after the day's adventure, I kept thinking more about Kevin and his llamas than about recent political victories. Sure, we've collectively focused on marriage equality, and we're winning that legal argument, but there are other immediate concerns demanding attention. Besides the frequent violence, the bullying, the kids kicked out onto the streets, there is also the matter of employment discrimination. That's where Kevin's situation shines as an example needing redress. He lives in Kentucky, where it's still perfectly legitimate to fire someone for being gay, and he was so fired.

I've faced discrimination on the job too, although my experiences were all back in Texas. I've had my work hours cut from 40 to 15 immediately after my supervisor found out I was gay. I've had a high management figure refuse to shake my hand upon our introduction. I've lost a job while a meddling coworker (who bullied international students too) complained about my involvement with the campus gay student group (and her having to authorize my requests for mainframe computer resources for the group). So I have some sympathy for Kevin's situation.

Vigilance is necessary.  Keep pressing for equality, keep demanding non-discrimination.  What's appropriate for you to do will vary with your own comfort level.  Me, I donated $20 to Kevin and his llamas when I got home from Pride today.  It's not a lasting solution, I know, but maybe it will help keep the animals in their familiar territory so their caretaker has the time he needs to arrange for new income.

There are plenty of other worthwhile causes to donate your attention, your time, or your money. Decide something, though, because both your actions and your inactions help to shape the future that we all must share.