Gay pride parades are stupid [Mod edit: Misleading title]

Gay pride things are just a way of making it easier for closet homosexuals come out and feel confident that society won't ostracise them.

If a bunch of puffters can charge about making lots of noise and celebrating their gayness in public, then this might make some teenager coming to terms with their sexuality more comfortable with themselves - which is a good thing.

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I do agree with the points that you've addressed, but if it's as a means of peaceful protest, for example, or if it's the only way that they are comfortable of coming out, then I think that it's fine. If it's a heterophobic parade, (if they do exist, which it probably does), or if it's just a show-off parade, then I think it's wrong (for the former) and silly (for the latter). I wouldn't ban them, but I would put a limit on it, (I know that sounds crappy, but you know I don't mean that way- I hope), and I think that they are helpful and fabulous, but they just need to be carefully organised and properly done. Btw I am totally not homophobic either, as being a bi girl that would be ironic lol. Some LGBT people are awesome, and so are some straight people

Oh. I'm not even in the slightest suggesting that they should be banned. I'm just saying that I think the organisers are responsible for the message that's put across. And do in some ways need to be careful.

I'm not at all saying that they should stop, I just think it would do some good if some changes were made.

+rep!

Could not have put it better myself. Although I may add to it

When I was a baby-bi, still struggling to come to terms with myself, I went to pride and it. was. amazing. It's loud, flamboyant...just a whole heap of fun and laughs, and more importantly a chance to meet other members of the lgbtq community. Where else could I do that, apart from going to the one, dodgy gay bar that I was underage for any way?
Everyone is welcome. Most of my straight-as-they-come friends can't wait for the next one, because of the music, food...and overall fun, accepting, friendly, loving atmosphere.

Aside from that, if you put aside your discomfort and go, the groups and information there are fantastic - there was a stall last time for parents of lgbtq kids, a gay-straight alliance group... and of course the THT and other lgbtq information groups.

Stop looking for a huge, deep meaning for yourself. To a lot of gay people it means an awful lot to have a day to celebrate and embrace who they are. For the community it means the acceptance and celebration of gay people who you might know everyday...it's the world saying 'we love you!' which is so important when every day is geared towards the straight community.
But ultimately, it's a great big stinkin party. And who needs a reason for that?

What are these stereotypes you mention that are displayed during Pride?

I see the events as two-fold: the first, which might explain the 'flamboyance' you mention, is as a celebration. It's not that long ago since being gay was a criminal offence. It's even less time since employers were allowed to discriminate by sexual orientation. It's even less time again since gay marriage has been possible (it's 3 months away but secured at least!) Pride is a time to celebrate the fantastic work of campaigners and activists across the country, show appreciation to law makers, and take pride in how society is changing to be more accepting.

The second, is to demonstrate to those who are concerned or worried about coming out that although there might be some hurdles, things will be ok and there is a huge network of like-minded people there to support them in expressing themselves more openly and being honest about themselves without fear of prejudice. Nobody's claiming it's easy, or that you won't face prejudice, but that it's not impossible to get through it, and society will be more accepting than you often feel at the time.

Lastly, I'd say it's about keeping up the momentum. It's tiring at times campaigning for things like gay marriage, against the spouse gender veto, or just pushing back at ignorant UKIP tosspots who blame floods on same-sex marriage legislation. Pride is a time to remind yourself that we can achieve, we have a long way to go, but that the movement is alive and excited as ever.

The only other thing I'd add is that liberation groups like LGBT often do things in a way which is criticised by those who don't identify with said group. To say, "The organisers of these things really do need to be more aware of what message they're putting across here, and how they're actually affecting the fight for gay rights.", is actually quite damaging, not least because the organisers are usually campaigners and activists who have actually experienced fighting for gay rights and do so regularly, but also because it goes against the idea of liberation groups having autonomy. I know you don't mean it in a damaging way, but I feel the best way to support us as a movement is to support the decisions we make as an autonomous group and understand that they are made with positive intentions and careful consideration.

Clearly there are exceptions, like if a group or individual is just being downright offensive then they are clearly open to criticism, but it's a fun parade with a positive message

Also, we welcome non gays on Pride parades; if you like big, loud, flamboyant events then you should come along

Firstly it promotes/perpetuates negative stereotypes about gay people.

If you see them as inherently negative, perhaps... but they are often very accurate stereotypes of some gay people. That isn't 'negative', it's freaking fun. To see it as negative, to think that the rest of Pride is 'embarrassed' because of queens/camps/effeminate male gays or the opposites for gay women, is not up to you and yes, is slightly homophobic.

Every day is a day for heterosexual people to celebrate being straight - everything is predominantly aimed at them, society is sculpted for them, no-one looks if they kiss in public or hold hands in public or celebrate their hetero status. Finally people are becoming more accepting of lgbt people doing the same, however it still isn't quite there. Pride is a day or several days for people to really go mad with their lgbt loving, to really celebrate what they are and who they are. It is to show people they aren't 'going anywhere' because yes, to some people that still needs to be made clear. It is to unify people - you don't have to be lgbt to go to Pride! By creating something so brilliant and fun for everyone to join in, Pride welcomes heteros who may be 'wary' and who may have incorrect preconceptions of the community. It brings them in and usually shows them a good time (or could even serve to them their own homophobic opinion).

You and many others may think there is no reason for them to do it all - and that is 'stupid'. There is every reason for the community to celebrate how far they have come and to show fearlessness in the face of many homophobic obstacles through Pride. Criticising how they do it, saying they could just 'tone it down' a bit so as not to encourage negative stereotyping, is somewhat homophobic, whether you want it to be or not.

Who does Pride harm? What does it do wrong? Nothing. It, in my opinion, is only full of messy OTT brilliance, fun, and incredibly encouraging confidence. It's inspiring. I am so happy it exists and have never thought it 'stupid', though certainly pity those who do because they cannot see the massive joy of it. As said above - the fact that it encourages many young lgbt people to embrace themselves and/or come out is absolutely invaluable.

I'm in two minds on this one. On one hand I appreciate that it's easier for LGBT people to win equality if they portray themselves as 'normal', as not overly challenging to conservative notions of 'family', sexual propriety, monoamoury, etc.

On the other hand, I think it's wrong that they should have to kowtow to prudish sensibilities in the first place.

Tbh I think gay pride contradicts itself. They want equal rights yet still want to single themselves out as 'different'.

We don't have straight pride do we?