Pride Season Is Here

As the weather warms and the days get longer, the rainbows begin to appear across the country. It is officially Gay Pride season. Long Beach, Ca kicked of this season with their pride celebration this weekend. "Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Celebration has become one of the premiere Pride events nationwide now attracting over 80,000 participants over two days" (visitlongbeach.com). This marks Long Beach's 30th annual pride celebrations! It is fantastic they have been doing it this long, while at the same time, more and more communities are having their first pride celebrations! Countries such as Moldova and Ukraine are gearing up for their first, while Georgia had their's thwarted by violence from oppressing religious leaders. While Pride celebrations are a wonderful way to show support and solidarity in the fight for equality, it is important to remember, the world is watching. Our community has made great strides over the last few months and the last thing we need is the equality movement to be derailed by the absurd actions of few people pushing too far and shaming the rest of us. So go out there, show your pride, but be classy and respectful! Love to all.

Burly Bear Chris

Why Is There No Straight Pride?

This is something I hear often, especially around this time of year when many Gay Pride celebrations take place. Well, to answer your question with a question, when did it become okay to celebrate the oppressors for discrimination, hate, and violence to a minority in the community? Why don't we have Nazi day? Why don't we have Slave Owner Appreciation days? The answer is, oppression is not something to be proud of. The purpose for gay pride is not to alienate, but to provide support. To let others know they are not alone. There are others just like them out there. To let the community know that we are a part of their neighborhoods and we want equality. There is nothing we would like better than to change gay pride days to United Community days. Change them to Love Our People days. Yes, there are some people who may in fact take things to far and make things in appropriate, but that is not gay nature, but human nature. Least not forget the KKK. Even the other side has it extremists. So if you are feeling left out for not having a celebration, embrace equality, embrace goodwill and your are welcome to join our celebrations. Love to all

Burly Bear Chris