Seattle Out and Proud

[susandennis]

One of my earliest Pride experiences was the 1995 Pride Parade. That year they had this great logo - which I still think is great.

This year they have a non-Seattleish logo and the theme is Seattle Out & Proud (SOAP). I'm not out and I'm not proud. I do celebrate diversity. But I'm as straight as a stick and based on the behavior of many of my straight peops, I'm not that proud of it. I feel like a poser pretending to be queer. machupicchu kind of thinks I'm picking a nit and he's probably right but I didn't buy the t-shirt this year.

We did the parade and I honestly thought it was terrific fun. machupicchu got there ahead of me and snagged a spot on the curb in front of Boarders (free wifi) and just across from the announcers. The spot was perfect because out of 3+ hours, we were in full sun maybe 1.25 of those. The rest of the time is was marvelously cool. On the downside the announcers were screaming into our ears for the whole time. My eardrums are bruised. It was nice to know a little about each group but not worth the pounding.

I did learn that the Boeing employees gay group started out disguised as a bonsai club. 

Before I left for the parade I was doing some audible book shopping and one of the titles I bought and downloaded was Armistead Maupin's latest -  Mary Ann in Autumn.  And then I got to the parade and he was in it!!  He was cool about my purchase. Did not make a big deal out of it.  But it was kind of startling to see him.

I saw this on a guy's backpack. I don't know the details but I love the idea that this makes it feels so possible. I looked up where the backpack must be from. http://www.seattlevaccines.org

I also ended up with more than a few condoms. I feel like I should put a sign on the front door 'Armed and Dangerous!!'

I skipped the post parade activities. My ears needed a rest. And I was starving. So now I'm home doing laundry and just finished up some delicious chicken salad.

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I love how the Sounders (soccer) can populate a game with 35-40,000 people and not clog up the neighborhood with their cars. Their game was half way done with I got home and the parking lot was not even half full. Soccer fans take buses and trains or walk. And do not leave a mess. Baseball fans all drive and it's a mess. Football fans are the worst. They all drive and arrive hours before every game and leave trash everywhere.

I just heard the fireworks so they must have won. That's three games in a row. Nice.

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My walk home was wonderful. Cool and breezy. A perfect day. The trees in the park closest to my house now all have sweaters. I don't think it's *that* chilly but what.ev. Another sacrifice to fashion.

Comments

[bitterlawngnome.livejournal.com]

Mary-Ann in Autumn made me so sad.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarn_bombing

[susandennis]

After Michael Tolliver Lives I was so bummed that I swore I would not read another even though he said he wasn't writing another. Guess we were both wrong...

http://yarnbombing.com/tag/seattle

[susandennis]

thank you...

[howeird]

What a lovely photo! The walk looks so cool with the gift wrappin.

[mixter11nm.livejournal.com]

I was really happy that NY passed the gay marriage law. Pissed though that Gov. Christie won't sign the bill if it passed in NJ. For now, civil unions will have to do.

I think the tree sweaters look cute.

[mhaithaca.livejournal.com]

Sounds as though they need a "Straight But Not Narrow" t-shirt for those who want to be supportive but don't fit into the "Out" category for any number of reasons.

[susandennis]

EXACTLY!! That oldie but goodie still says it best.