Toronto’s 28th Annual Pride Parade was held on Sunday, June 29th 2008 @ 2pm.  More than 4,000 people participated in the parade, while roughly one million others took in the colourful action. The weather was sketchy as it rained, albeit lightly, and then the sun came out in full force along with energtic people and music. If you haven’t been, you must come and see for yourself.
-Corprah Lanfrey

The Official Gay Pride Flag

OK, so, we all know that parades are fun. They’re usually REALLY fun. You’ve got loud music, lots of energy, good good, and often interesting costumes. So it’s no wonder that a group of single, straight females decided to go the Gay Pride Parade, held in Toronto this year to see what all the hoopla was about. We went without the fear of being hit on left, right and center and having our wallets stolen, or being whispered or talked about “just because”.  And lo and behold, needless to say, it ended up being ……………… (wait for it) ………… a gay ol’ time.

Whether you believe in gay rights or not, this interview is not about that. Really, it’s not. We interviewed a fellow participant of the parade and here’s what he had to say regarding the parade, gay people and … other shenanigans.

What does gay pride mean to you?
I appreciate it for it being a day that people can show that they are bound together and not going to be discriminated, at least for the day, for who they are and anything goes.  It is also the one day I can walk around naked in the streets and not get arrested. 

 

Gay Pride 2008

How many parades have you been to?
Three in toronto and none anywhere else yet. 

Are you a nudist? We couldn’t help but notice your, er, lack of attire, lol. =). 
Wait…I wasn’t wearing clothes?  Shit what happened to them, i’m still looking.  I love being naked and love the freedom.  I don’t partake in it all the time but when I can I do.

Gay Pride 2008

 
Why do you think there is so much nudity at Gay Pride?
I didn’t think there was that much this year.  Sure, the “TNT” (Editors Note: see http://www.tntmen.org/) men every year but the amount of women was lacking compared to the past.  But people will do what they feel is best.  I wish more people were comfortable being naked, believing that if there was everyone naked, there would be less rape in the world as it would then be less taboo. 

Gay Pride 2008

Have you noticed any changes towards gays, lesbians and transgenered people in recent years? If no, how can we get better as a society? If yes, what has changed?
This will go in don’t know if yes or no.  I personally don’t agree with the term gay pride because it isn’t something to be proud of but just confident in being themselves and being simply happy that they can be themselves without worrying what someone else may think.  I don’t know if things have changed much in recent years but this is because I simply am just a person that can appreciate everyone for what they have to offer, no matter what sex, race and personality. 

What did you think of this past year’s parade? Compared to others? It was our first time. What did you think of it? 
I just love being in the atmosphere.  This year surprised me as I had a couple people try to threaten me which I was confused to see just because if they aren’t comfortable then they shouldn’t be there to try and start things.  So each year has been great for me. 

Can you suggest what we, straight females, should do for next year’s Pride parade? 
Walk around naked with me, haha.  I am straight as well but just being there shows my support for people being who they are along with you and everyone else.  So just simply being there is a great thing for the community.  Bring more friends that are open minded and loving. 

Gay Pride 2008

Are straights really welcomes in the gay community? ie. clubs, parades, functions, etc. 
I have always been accepted so I see no reason why not.
 
If you could shout something, anything, to the world regarding sexuality, what would it be?
Don’t worry about those you don’t agree with, you are just wasting your time and breath because it will get nowhere so just try to enjoy your own life on your own terms.  I absolutely love that naked people walk in that parade equally to the churches that are in the parade that support gay marriages. 

What would you say is the most misunderstood/misconstrued thing about homosexuals? 
I have met guys that automatically think if they are around other gay males that they will get hit on and then should get offended.  For one, who really should worry about that? A lot of girls feel that about a lot of men and get upset about it sometimes.  So guys being straight or gay are just bad. haha.  So some of these guys think they would have to fight a gay male and I just tell them they should look at it as a compliment and just politely turn the person down. 

And there you have it folks! I know I’ll be back for SURE next year.  There were too many good vibes to stay away and too much fun to miss out on.

Hope to see everyone next year at the Gay Pride Parade 2009!!!!XOOX
-D Inspectah