NYC Pride, 1999. Corner of Christopher & Bleeker. Photo taken by,
my friend, David Posey.
New York City, with one of the largest parades in the nation, will find parade participants marching down Fifth Avenue and then through Greenwich Village via Christopher Street. For many years my friends and I met at the corner of Christopher and Bleeker, in the heart of the Village, to watch the eclectic gays and their supporters go by. Afterwards, thousands reveled in the streets and in the neighborhood bars, for a fun-filled, high energy party running into the wee hours of the night. This, of course, is still true today.
NYC Pride 1999, Stonewall Veterans. Photo taken by my friend,
David Posey.
I haven't been to the annual parade in years. Crowds just aren't my thing anymore, but I have years of great memories to remind me of the camaraderie formed and celebrated on this day.
Young and dorky, Frank and Bill, at NYC Gay Pride 1999.
As much fun as this day is, we shouldn't forget the real meaning behind gay pride: dignity and true equality for all. The gay community has come so far since 1969, especially in the last couple of years; however, LGBTs still have a very long way to go. The most pressing issues we still face include passing ENDA, over-turning DOMA, and reversing Don't Ask, Don't Tell, as well as passing an all inclusive Federal hate crimes bill/Matthew Shepard Act (with protection for the transgendered as well). Now that you've indulged me, have fun and happy gay pride day.
2 comments:
these pride festivals look like so much fun! i went to knoxville's yesterday, but i know that it was nothing compared to these. i hope someday i get to join in on the fun
Gladys says, 'Thanks for including the photo of you and Bill'. Dorky?! It was 1999. We all looked that way!!
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