« How are we doing for time??? | Main | Artists Wanted »
Happy Pride Week
By madeline | June 18, 2007
Pride events are happening throughout Toronto and around the world this week. Gay Pride grew out of the grass roots “Stonewall Riotsâ€. Gays and Lesbians grew tired of the constant persecution they were receiving at the hands of the police. One night one group decided to fight back. Word grew of their bravery and defiance and a gay rights movement was born in 1969. The sixties were a time of protests and standing up for one’s beliefs.
Since then Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgendered folk’s celebrate pride, their civil rights and their solidarity. Pride celebrates diversity and encourages tolerance and understanding. Pride Toronto has been celebrated since the 70’s off and on, annually since 1981. Pride events in Toronto are some of the largest of their kind in North America.
I love Pride and I love what it symbolizes. The excitement and idealism is so refreshing in this sometimes too cynical world that we live in. I think of Pride as a breath of fresh air. Sure we can become jaded even about Pride: too cooperate, too commercial. But I prefer to see the positive. 1969 and the persecution is not that far away from 2007, so if it’s a little too mainstream for some, just take a look back and appreciate the efforts of those before us and those that will follow.
And since I love trivia, let me share this with you. Ever wonder if the colours on the Rainbow Flag had any meaning other than being a rainbow? Yep, they do: red =life, orange=healing, yellow=sun, green=nature, royal blue=harmony and finally violet=spirit.
Happy Pride!