The Gay and Lesbian Pride March is held in cities across Canada and in other countries around the world during the summer, commemorating the June 28, 1969 Stonewall riot. Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York City was constantly raided by police as serving alcohol to gays or because dancing with same-sex partners was against the law. After several months of harassment, gays and lesbians fought back by throwing bottles, hitting, and even dancing in the streets in drag to mock the police officers. There were three nights of protesting and rioting, with about two thousand gay men and lesbians taking part in the confrontation. The march pays homage to the beginning of the modern-day gay and lesbian rights movement. This march is a celebration of pride: pride in overcoming barriers, pride in freedom to be who you are, and pride in strength. The Gay and Lesbian Pride March brings out more then the lesbigay transgendered folks and their friends. No, every year we find just one or two characters who, let's say, would prefer we didn't walk with such pride.
While the 2001 Pride March in our city of St John's, Newfoundland, was a resounding success on the downtown streets, far up on the third floor of one house on Duckworth Street sat two boys - in their window. One might question, "How is this odd?" Well you see, these boys were sat back on, pants down, with their hairy-arsed butts sticking out the window. I guess their message, and asses, were aimed at a particular sexual act in which some gay boys engage, or maybe it was just the most intellectual way they knew how to express their opinion. I don't know how many marchers saw this spectacle. I know I didn't. I was too busy proudly video-taping the march. However, my detective buddy, Sue, is always on the hunt for homophobes. And she always finds them; and they always pay. You see, they were too "caught up" in the moment with the pride marchers to notice that many, many people had cameras that day. Detective Sue was one such person. With one innocent click, she captured the faceless assholes, and the apartment in which they live, forever. Can't take back a picture!
When the pictures were developed, which is more than I can say for these boys butts, Sue had them by the balls, so to speak. What's one to do with such a glossy? She sought out her trusty assistant, me, to go with her to confront the faceless assholes. Sue came to me and said, "Come on, I've got somewhere to go, and you'll want to come with me." When she showed me the picture, I was elated. We had a mission. We drove around looking for a parking spot away from the house, not wanting my dyke-mobile with the pride license plate to be identified. I had the same question whenever we confront nasty homophobes on our own. "What if they beat us up"? You see, neither of us is very big. Sue assured me they'd only get one hit, then they'd be sorry.
Sue rang the doorbell to the top flat. We impatiently awaited. No answer. Rang again, this time braver, more than one ring. As she was defiantly opening the door, out popped a young woman. With evidence in hand, Sue asked her, "Do you happen to know these faceless assholes?" Her little eyes widened as she gave a nervous laugh. It certainly wasn't her fault she laughed. Who wouldn't? I'm sure she wasn't expecting that on this beautiful summer afternoon. I guess they are all just roommates; as she wasn't able to identify these butts. But she did explain that her two roommates were boys. We told her to tell the boys we'd be back.
Why do people behave this way? My Oprahrian psychology degree offers anger and fear as the nasty culprits. Are they angry that there is no "Heterosexual Pride Day"? I feel that would be as effective as "White History Month" or perhaps "International Men's Day." All necessary, right-wingers argue. Fear of what...difference or sameness? Jewel, at her tender age, challenges us as she innocently sings, "Faggot, faggot, do you hate him, 'cause he's pieces of you?" We never went back. We discussed copying the picture and putting several on telephone poles around Duckworth and Water Streets. But we didn't do that either. Why not? Was it apathy, the heightened moment was lost, or maybe we sometimes become just plain tired of fighting. An ex-brother-in-law once told me he had no problem with Gay Pride Day; not even with all those men flitting about dressed in drag. (Thanks Bro, you were doing just fine without the qualifiers). He then capped it with, "But on Father's Day? That's an insult." One grand thing about in-laws; they can become ex-laws!
Our editorial board's comment:
Interesting article! The big question is really what was underlying these boys' actions? Was it homophobia or mere childishness? If the Jaycees, Legion, or air cadets were marching by, they wouldn't have even thought about exposing themselves. Why is it that these two boys would assume to demonstrate such behaviour at the side-lines of a Pride March? Homophobia is certainly a logical answer. It is good that Ann's friend Sue was on the scene, and that Ann and Sue attempted to hold these boys accountable.