Do you attend Pride events?

[JustJudy]

It's that time of year again. Last year we missed out on everything but I really want to try to make it at least on Sunday for the parade and festival downtown.
Does your family attend events if they're available in your area? We don't have kids yet but Portland is pretty kid friendly so I hope to bring them in the future.

I'm in that weird transition between going as a young 20 something to drink like a fish and going as a family. This year I'd like to attend just to feel the support and be supportive of our community.

[kona]

We used to go when we were younger but it became not really our scene quickly. We also attended the Boston parade when we lived there. Just not our thing. If we can find some kid friendly things when O is a bit bigger we might go again.

[RM80]

We did the parade last year, we walked with my companies float and that was fun but we too find its not really our scene.

[karlamo]

When we lived in Chicago we went to Pride every year. It was a blast. You needed to line up at 9 to get a spot and you just drank all day long. We were in our 20's back then. If anyone's been to Chi town pride you know how insane it gets.

When we moved to Boston we were in for a shock. No drinking in the streets and most of the people marching were church folk and businesses. We were soo bored.
Now that we're moms I'm guessing this how we will be doing Pride from now on. Though I told my wife I will take our older kids to Chicago Pride. I want them to see and experience gay culture and show them that for many people this is a day where they get to be themselves without fear or hiding their true selves. I plan to teach them this is the one day you can act a fool but tomorrow you put on your business suit and you get back to work.

[Stringy]

Not our scene. Went a few times in our 20s to drink but yea. Hookup central. This is in Boston.

I'm of the mindset that at this point in time, at least around here (and I realize it's not like this everywhere) pride is like a spectacle that sets us apart. I don't have any gay culture about me other than being married to a woman. But I don't want "everyone else" to assume that all gays just want to be outlandish and party in the streets- but pride is when we are visible and that's what it usually looks like to anyone who only sees gays one weekend a year. So I have zero need for my kids to identify with that.

Now if it were a nice family experience to meet other families with two moms- I'd be all for it. Gawd I sound old.

[cetcar]

I think we feel similarly to some of the above. We used to go out when we lived in Boston (young 20s, right out of college) and have some drinks, go to the parade, have friends crash at our place, etc. We had a blast.

Now though that we're on the other coast, it's still fun to see the neighborhood get all covered in rainbow flags for a month, but we really haven't done too much for pride in a few years. It's also been because we've for one reason or another been traveling or not available. There is a big festival that goes with pride here, but we're always too cheap to get tickets, lol.

Its a strange phenomenon, too, to watch growing acceptance and visibility really start to 'down play' the excitement (possibly need for??) pride parades and such in our area. We currently are in a blue city in a blue state, and so just about every business and political figure 'has' to be in the parade. Most don't even really try to be unique or themed anymore. Last time we went there was literally a Walmart 18 wheeler driving in the parade without any decor at all. No rainbow streamers... no employee pride marching with it, nothing. It looked like it missed the turn off for the 710 freeway and just got stuck in a pride parade. A little hilarious, but also telling.

On the one hand, it's nice that it's so clearly accepted it's almost mandatory... but does take away from the fun of creative entries.

I think we'll be more likely to try and find LGBT family things in our community, rather than just at 'pride.'

[karlamo]

Stringy, where did you stand in Boston? The few times we've gone we stood at the common and there wasn't a drink or hook up in sight. Their must be an underground scene we missed:)

[crazyaunt84]

Jun 2, 2015 18:50:08 GMT -5 Stringy said:

I'm of the mindset that at this point in time, at least around here (and I realize it's not like this everywhere) pride is like a spectacle that sets us apart. I don't have any gay culture about me other than being married to a woman. But I don't want "everyone else" to assume that all gays just want to be outlandish and party in the streets- but pride is when we are visible and that's what it usually looks like to anyone who only sees gays one weekend a year. 

This exactly.

[wittyandwaiting]

Jun 3, 2015 6:30:21 GMT -5 crazyaunt84 said:

Jun 2, 2015 18:50:08 GMT -5 Stringy said:

I'm of the mindset that at this point in time, at least around here (and I realize it's not like this everywhere) pride is like a spectacle that sets us apart. I don't have any gay culture about me other than being married to a woman. But I don't want "everyone else" to assume that all gays just want to be outlandish and party in the streets- but pride is when we are visible and that's what it usually looks like to anyone who only sees gays one weekend a year. 

This exactly.

Yes. Ditto this. All of this.

It's funny now that DS is 13, that he recognizes this. They televise the pride parade here and last year we turned it on since we were home and he looked at me and said "who are these people?" I definitely understand and respect the sentiment and significance of such events however I don't identify with the nudity, rampant substance use and abuse and sexualization of my life.

Perhaps that's an unpopular opinion.

Edited to add: perhaps it's just what the pride events around here look like, no judgment to anybody who attends their own community pride events and has a great time.

[kh826]

We used to go in college. We haven't been since (about 9 yrs). For a while many years ago we would always talk about going, but never would. It definitely isn't our scene, and never really was if I am being honest. Neither of us are drinkers, and the whole party atmosphere is just not where we are most comfy. I think that Pride events are great for those who want to partake, but I would rather celebrate being out and proud by going to a museum or out to eat and holding my wife's hand. I find the Pride atmosphere to be overwhelming and it gives me anxiety. I think that is just my personality though.

[Stringy]

Jun 3, 2015 6:23:27 GMT -5 karlamo said:

Stringy, where did you stand in Boston? The few times we've gone we stood at the common and there wasn't a drink or hook up in sight. Their must be an underground scene we missed:)

I have no idea, it was years ago.  Back when the festival was still on the common - I think its in Gov't center now which just isn't nice for hanging out.

[Stringy]

And I'll add that I don't care that people act this way. Act how you want. I spent many weekends in summer in Ptown acting a bit ridiculous in my 20s. But the point is that ptown is like that 75% of the time, and there are times when its more family friendly and low key. If you don't want to go to ptown you don't have to (though I do kind of love it when tourists show up completely unprepared) But there's no media watching. Its not done to show the world what is up. Its just a place to go be yourself and have fun without worrying which bar is friendly. None of which matters once you have kids

[healz413]

Y'all should come to Toronto!
We'll skip the Pride Parade on the Sunday. It's super corporate, a huge spectator sport, uber crowded, etc.

BUT the Trans March on the Friday night is a great community event for trans people and allies. And Dyke Day on the Saturday is fantastic. There's a great Dyke March, which is very much a community event and then there are lots of bands and performers. AND there is a great Family Pride area at an elementary school in the Village that is open throughout the weekend and is a great respite for people with kids.

We didn't go last year because we'd just lost the babies. But we plan to go for at least part of Dyke Day on Saturday the 27th of June if it's not too hot and we're both feeling well.

[JustJudy]

Jun 3, 2015 7:06:33 GMT -5 kh826 said:

We used to go in college. We haven't been since (about 9 yrs). For a while many years ago we would always talk about going, but never would. It definitely isn't our scene, and never really was if I am being honest. Neither of us are drinkers, and the whole party atmosphere is just not where we are most comfy. I think that Pride events are great for those who want to partake, but I would rather celebrate being out and proud by going to a museum or out to eat and holding my wife's hand. I find the Pride atmosphere to be overwhelming and it gives me anxiety. I think that is just my personality though.

Heck yes to this. Though we do live in an amazingly accepting city so I feel lucky to be able to hold hands all the time comfortably. 

Thank you all for your thoughts! Hopefully pride will start to evolve a little over time to be less of a spectacle. Portland's official festival during the day is pretty mellow and fun I've found. healz413, we really do want to visit Toronto for a vacation, maybe we'll make it happen during pride weekend.

[2mrsks (mrs&mrsk)]

NYC is too much for me now that I'm old - drunk fest

We attend Huntington pride on Long Island. We used to go to after parties at clubs but the last few have been bbqs at our house after. Funny bc we probably live the furthest from the parade by a lot!

[2Brides]

We used to go to Capital Pride every year - I loved it - DW hated it. We walked in the parade with Rainbow Families for a few years after we had kids, but haven't gone in 2y (and probably aren't going this year.) Last time we went we walked half way and then sat to watch the rest of the parade with the kids (age 6y.) A young, obviously drunk, scantilly clad gay boy came up and handed my sons a strip of condoms and said, "Ask your moms what these are for - you will need them in a few years." That pretty much was the straw that broke the camels back for DW wanting to bring the kids again.

And it is increasingly difficult to explain why those women don't have on shirts, but have their bare chests painted, and why that guy has on a white see through Speedo with his pubi@ hair stinking out, and why that guy has on a$$less chaps and is on a leash with another guy holding the end....I personally don't find it offensive - to each their own - but not the best for kids.

This year I think we are going over to a friend's house (nice straight couple) and hanging out at their pool. That is much more our speed.

[klake42]

Hello, y'all

In Atlanta, Pride was moved to October. On the one hand, it is *hot* here, so I appreciate the more comfortable weather, but on the other hand, it really detracts from the historic significance of the date. I have to admit that I don't often go, though. I'm just not into big corporate events and crowds.

We often have some smaller events in June, though, and there's going to be a day of workshops and community building, which I'm interested in attending-- looks like a sober sort of event, which I'll appreciate (I gave up alcohol while TTC).

There's a chance that we might get a Supreme Court marriage equality ruling right before Pride this year. If that happens, then even though I'm not drinking, I'm probably going to head out the gay bars to dance and celebrate. It will be pretty big deal here, since we don't have marriage rights in Georgia yet.

[twotxmommies]

We have gone to NYC and LA pride a few times. We really enjoy some parts of it, stay away from others! Dallas has a pride in September that we have been to a time or two... its alright. Nothing compared to the others though.

[jillc0323]

We like the parade here OK, but we don't attend the festival anymore. We're in our late 20's/early 30's and feel like it's geared toward a different crowd. I really liked attending in my teens though.

[Deleted]

Jun 2, 2015 18:50:08 GMT -5 Stringy said:

Not our scene. Went a few times in our 20s to drink but yea. Hookup central. This is in Boston.

I'm of the mindset that at this point in time, at least around here (and I realize it's not like this everywhere) pride is like a spectacle that sets us apart. I don't have any gay culture about me other than being married to a woman. But I don't want "everyone else" to assume that all gays just want to be outlandish and party in the streets- but pride is when we are visible and that's what it usually looks like to anyone who only sees gays one weekend a year. So I have zero need for my kids to identify with that.

Now if it were a nice family experience to meet other families with two moms- I'd be all for it. Gawd I sound old.

Or you know. Gay families with one mom. Just sayin'. If it takes 2 women to be a gay family, am I straight?!