Glitter

It all began in New York City in 1969. An opportunity for expressing the sexual freedom for some, or just a meat market for others, the Gay Pride Parade has become one of the most complex and controversial popular manifestations in the last four decades. From an objective perspective, a superficial analysis of these events show it is understandable that a fierce opposition to Gay Pride events has appeared both within the LGBT and the mainstream population. Drag Queens, music, glitter, floats with semi-naked hyper-muscular guys, and all kind of outrageous, tacky and freak manifestations assail the conscience of respectable citizens. Some of the Gay Pride detractors claim that these events clearly damage the public image of the gay community and promote a commonly linked identification between gay and lesbian people and sex and promiscuity. . This identification fuels the stereotype of “gay, promiscuous citizens” in contrast with respectable citizens. Even within the gay community people have differing views on these events, those who support these events (are considered promiscuous) and those who do not accept this behavior (considered regular end respectable gay citizens by the rest of the population). However, do they have the same opposition to the attitudes showed by the wide majority of the assistants to carnival events? Obviously no, so that may entails that those who in order to “defend” the gay and lesbian rights attack these events have some deep motivations like (why not?) disguised under political correction homophobia.

Let’s analyze all the elements that take place in these parades. First of all we have to take into account that it is a parade, in other words a manifestation of something. Glitter, color, noise, techno music, banners, feathers, performances, drag queens…the aesthetic character of these elements is more than obvious. There is a common visual and sensual component in all the elements that come together in these events. Surrounded by a festive atmosphere these elements widely appeal to human emotions, included sexuality in order to spread their real message. That is why common sense tells that this is no more than an empty, superficial celebration; a tribute to sex and lust. However, all these components share a common style that has deeper social, cultural and political implications. These flashy and exaggerated characters appear as a natural reaction to thousands of years of invisibility for the gay and lesbian collective. They demand their place in a society that has been thought of as strictly for heterosexuals. Above all, the components of gay pride parades share communicative goals. They want to express something by sparkly colors, noise and exaggeration.

Is this the correct way to fight for the normalization of gay and lesbian rights? May be not, but it is the natural reaction to the oppression suffered not only in third world countries but also in “tolerant” and “developed” societies by the gay and lesbian collective. This festive, colorful atmosphere also hides years of pain and resentment. I completely agree with those who claim that these events are tacky exaggerated and obscene. I would like to see the moment with these tacky manifestations are not necessary, however, that moment has not arrived yet.