Proud To Parade
Darren Lang
Darren Lang
It began in 1970, when a police raid led to a gay bar being burned down. At the time this tragedy turned into an outrage, leading to protesters surrounding the bar for the next six days, all people in support of the LGBTQ (Lesbian/ Gay/ Bisexual/ Transgender/ Queer) community. This eventually led to the first gay Pride Parade on June 28, 1970. “It was people celebrating something they were proud of, which I think was very commenerable, especially if no one else had the courage to stand up for what they believe in.”, states student Rachel Clarke.
How far we have come since then. Instead of just having one singular parade in an attempt to advocate for gay rights, it has now turned into a nationwide tradition. One of which that celebrates differences, having the members of the LGBTQ parade in their favorite colors, advocating how proud they are to be their true selves. “I think it’s a good thing to have. We have everyone being allowed to express themselves, people don’t have to feel that they have to hide who they truly are.”, states student Gloria Vick.
Here, in Georgia, we have the biggest pride parade in the South East. This famous parade happened just last weekend on the 13th and 14th. They start at the Civic Center MARTA Station, eventually merging into Charles Allen Gate entrance of Piedmont Park where the parade ends. This lasts only 48 hours, with what was recorded to include over 100,000 people.
The main staple of course is the parade itself, but it is not the only thing. At these parades they have a wide variety of activities to do depending on what appeals to you. One is “Atlanta Pride Gaymers Space”, where people can partake in board games, card games and much more. Another one is “Pride Yoga”, where Swami Jaya Devi (the Atlanta Pride Grand Marshal 2015) hosts a free yoga class for anyone who wants to participate.
There still is not complete acceptance here at the parades however. Each parade always has a group of christian protestors with anti-gay signs, some of which reading things like “Trust Christ or end in hell!” or “HOMO, stop sinning!”.
No matter the obstructing opinions of these few, the parades remain for the prideful majority. This event is a joyous celebration of differences stretching from all individuals, whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or straight. This parade seems to just have something for everyone.
How far we have come since then. Instead of just having one singular parade in an attempt to advocate for gay rights, it has now turned into a nationwide tradition. One of which that celebrates differences, having the members of the LGBTQ parade in their favorite colors, advocating how proud they are to be their true selves. “I think it’s a good thing to have. We have everyone being allowed to express themselves, people don’t have to feel that they have to hide who they truly are.”, states student Gloria Vick.
Here, in Georgia, we have the biggest pride parade in the South East. This famous parade happened just last weekend on the 13th and 14th. They start at the Civic Center MARTA Station, eventually merging into Charles Allen Gate entrance of Piedmont Park where the parade ends. This lasts only 48 hours, with what was recorded to include over 100,000 people.
The main staple of course is the parade itself, but it is not the only thing. At these parades they have a wide variety of activities to do depending on what appeals to you. One is “Atlanta Pride Gaymers Space”, where people can partake in board games, card games and much more. Another one is “Pride Yoga”, where Swami Jaya Devi (the Atlanta Pride Grand Marshal 2015) hosts a free yoga class for anyone who wants to participate.
There still is not complete acceptance here at the parades however. Each parade always has a group of christian protestors with anti-gay signs, some of which reading things like “Trust Christ or end in hell!” or “HOMO, stop sinning!”.
No matter the obstructing opinions of these few, the parades remain for the prideful majority. This event is a joyous celebration of differences stretching from all individuals, whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or straight. This parade seems to just have something for everyone.