god struggled as a child
to color within the lines
then realized creativity
knew no bounds
and loved it all
to color within the lines
then realized creativity
knew no bounds
and loved it all
I've been thinking about the Vancouver Pride parade frequently this past week or so. This year's controversy was the banning of the Liberal party from attending by parade organizers for refusing to update BC's human rights code regarding transgender people. That itself is a whole 'nother can of worms I'm not going to delve into. What I will address though is the irony this has presented. That a parade priding itself on inclusiveness, equality, freedom & nonpartisanship engaged in such a pointedly political action was revealing. Beneath the sunshine, rainbows, and happy dances there are and always have been agendas at play.
Another peek behind the curtain has brought to light how commercialized the parade has become. Big name companies vie for top spot in the procession, one of the biggest being TD bank. Securing a float is expensive but the benefits are priceless. Showing that your company is supportive of the LGBT community is solid street cred and the advertising is a bonus. It's easy to be cynical, money talks, however I understand the vetting process is designed to weed out soulless corporations and endorse the ones who genuinely back the movement.
I, myself have never attended the Pride Parade. The reasons have differed over the years, ranging from intolerance to cautious acceptance chased with an unwillingness to throw my hat in quite yet.
There is a difference to me in personally knowing a few Gay people to buying into the whole kit and kaboodle.
I applaud the bravery of the people on the front lines, the ones fighting for and caring for the disenfranchised, the kids who are scared and confused about their sexuality, the ones who face discrimination, taunting and physical violence. I respect the artists, musicians, the flamboyant and ones bursting with life, creativity and joy. They are people and regardless of sexual preference, God loves them all.
What I can't and won't support are the power plays that usually happen behind the scenes but every once in a while are exposed. It isn't pretty. There are people who use the Pride movement for one purpose. Power. Political machinations in education and religion are insidious and presented as being for the good of the people. Before I start sounding too conspiracy theorist though, let me say this: A grassroots, community oriented movement is one thing, a powerful, political lobby with ulterior motives is another and one that immediately sends up red flags. It can be applied to any organization, not just the LGBT. From what I've observed these past couple of weeks however is that Vancouver Pride parade is starting to show cracks beneath its bouncy exterior. The paint is starting to peel and I don't like what I see underneath.
