This weekend is Capital Pride in the Nation's Capital. When I was a younger, less experienced homosexual, I participated in a lot of Pride activities. It was a way to be around like-minded people ... people who were otherwise mostly invisible. I was somewhere I could fit in and be my complete self openly and without fear. Yes, the world was a slightly different place back then.
As I've gotten older and more secure in the "complete me", I've found myself having less and less to do with Capital Pride events. It's not that I think it isn't still important to associate with people who are more like you. But I honestly have no idea what the point of it all is and I haven't found anyone who can tell me outside of established talking points. Even though my opinion of the festivities may have changed, I certainly do not begrudge those who do still enjoy it all.
To those of you who will be out and about showing the world how proud you are of being Out And About, this one's for you.
Showing posts with label Capital Pride. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Capital Pride. Show all posts
03 June 2011
Thanks For The Notice, But ... Really?
The news broke early Wednesday afternoon that the headliner of this year's Capital Pride Festival isn't who we thought it was. At the time, I didn't mind the 11th-hour switch. I mean, it isn't like the person who's stepping in is an unknown talent or hasn't been professionally active in a while.
But the more I thought about it, the more it started to stick in my craw. See, Capital Pride's main act historically hasn't been a person who would be considered a current top artist. Usually the main act is a washed-up performer, a "legend" who doesn't have much else going on, someone who hasn't been culturally relevant in over 10 years. I'm not saying this is true of Ms. Holliday ... because it isn't. She has been very active in music and film, even releasing a gospel album in April. She is a great choice for the headlining performance.
But she's no Kelly Rowland.
It was good of Ms. Rowland to let the organizers know of the scheduling conflict and that she had to back out. I wouldn't necessarily say that she "took the high road"; she merely paid the most basic courtesy by simply informing. If she wanted to take the high road, she would not have agreed to perform at Capital Pride at all. It's not like she didn't know she wanted to be a judge on X-Factor. Gigs like that just don't sneak up on you. You start actively going after a job like that as soon as the rumor of someone leaving hits the street. She knew she wanted the X-Factor job more than she wanted to sing at Capital Pride. So, she should never have said yes to the committee.
Maybe it's the District native in me. Maybe I'm reading too much into this. Maybe I've let the decades of snubs by popular artists, thus having to settle for 2nd- and 3rd-Tier acts, build a large chip on my shoulder. Look, I get that stuff happens. I understand that scheduling conflicts arise. And I can see how things can get overlooked. But I can't help but feel that this cancellation smacks of disrespect for the homosexuals of the Washington Metropolitan area.
But the more I thought about it, the more it started to stick in my craw. See, Capital Pride's main act historically hasn't been a person who would be considered a current top artist. Usually the main act is a washed-up performer, a "legend" who doesn't have much else going on, someone who hasn't been culturally relevant in over 10 years. I'm not saying this is true of Ms. Holliday ... because it isn't. She has been very active in music and film, even releasing a gospel album in April. She is a great choice for the headlining performance.
But she's no Kelly Rowland.
It was good of Ms. Rowland to let the organizers know of the scheduling conflict and that she had to back out. I wouldn't necessarily say that she "took the high road"; she merely paid the most basic courtesy by simply informing. If she wanted to take the high road, she would not have agreed to perform at Capital Pride at all. It's not like she didn't know she wanted to be a judge on X-Factor. Gigs like that just don't sneak up on you. You start actively going after a job like that as soon as the rumor of someone leaving hits the street. She knew she wanted the X-Factor job more than she wanted to sing at Capital Pride. So, she should never have said yes to the committee.
Maybe it's the District native in me. Maybe I'm reading too much into this. Maybe I've let the decades of snubs by popular artists, thus having to settle for 2nd- and 3rd-Tier acts, build a large chip on my shoulder. Look, I get that stuff happens. I understand that scheduling conflicts arise. And I can see how things can get overlooked. But I can't help but feel that this cancellation smacks of disrespect for the homosexuals of the Washington Metropolitan area.
12 June 2008
Pride! What Is It Good For?
My apologies to Edwin Starr but, during Pride Week here in the District, the question needs to be asked. What is the point of this week-long celebration of all things gay?
The homosexual community has become more fragmented and can't seem to agree on anything.
HIV/AIDS is still among us, still claiming lives.
Homosexuals are more visible now than they've ever been.
Pride festivities have devolved into fetish- and stereotype- filled parties where the most negative aspects of the community are on display.
What is there to be proud about?
I wish I knew. At one point in time, Pride Week was a time to show solidarity to the world. It was a time to stand for causes, to push for equality, to demand the same protections afforded to other targeted groups.
Now? I don't know. I certainly can't see a point to any of it. Maybe it's because I've seen where things were and where they are. Maybe it's because I'm just getting old and jaded and comfortable. Maybe it's because I could be right.
Would someone tell me? Pride ... what is it good for?
The homosexual community has become more fragmented and can't seem to agree on anything.
HIV/AIDS is still among us, still claiming lives.
Homosexuals are more visible now than they've ever been.
Pride festivities have devolved into fetish- and stereotype- filled parties where the most negative aspects of the community are on display.
What is there to be proud about?
I wish I knew. At one point in time, Pride Week was a time to show solidarity to the world. It was a time to stand for causes, to push for equality, to demand the same protections afforded to other targeted groups.
Now? I don't know. I certainly can't see a point to any of it. Maybe it's because I've seen where things were and where they are. Maybe it's because I'm just getting old and jaded and comfortable. Maybe it's because I could be right.
Would someone tell me? Pride ... what is it good for?
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