LGBT Pride events

[Brad]

Last night was one of the first pride events I went out to and I have to admit I was really impressed and I felt more comfortable there than at any other bar event I've been to in the past.
I can't wait to attend more.
Has anyone else attended any pride events recently? How was your experience?

[Martin]

I've never been to one but they were getting ready for the blackpool one this weekend whilst I was still there on holiday. All the shops and hotels and stuff had decorations up and it looked so nice!

I'm planning on going to my first ever one in Cardiff in August! Am super excited!!!

[-:Undertaker:-]

I find them embarrassing as they tend to portray a very bizzare stereotype of gay people to the rest of the population.

[Chris]

I've never been to one but I would be interested in going if I got the chance.

[scottish]

I'm straight so I have less than no interest.

[Lewis]

I don't get them. I believe in equal and fair treatment, but an event like this just... it doesn't make sense to me. Minority groups want equality and to be treated normally, so they do these big events and parades raising lots of unneeded and unwanted attention towards them? I really doubt it does any good at all - plus it displays them all in one particular way which isn't right.

Doesn't interest me at all.

[lemons]

I don't get them. I believe in equal and fair treatment, but an event like this just... it doesn't make sense to me. Minority groups want equality and to be treated normally, so they do these big events and parades raising lots of unneeded and unwanted attention towards them? I really doubt it does any good at all - plus it displays them all in one particular way which isn't right.

Doesn't interest me at all.

this is a really ignorant post... why are these events unneeded? the shit that minority groups have to go through (not just lgbt) is ridiculous and although it is getting better it is nowhere near as good as it could be. yes pride is generally quite camp and out there but sooo what it's just people having fun and for a lot of the people it's probably one of the only times of the year they can be themselves. the 'attention' is definitely needed as it raises awareness and money for countless charities and organisations who are working to improve life for a lot of people

it's fine if it doesn't interest you but to say they don't do good is just absurd

[Martin]

I think it's definitely something worth celebrating! I'm pretty sure it used to be a crime to be gay and in the past and was even seen as a mental disorder, and the way in which societies attitudes have changed over the past century is an amazing thing! There are still struggles though of course and some people within the lgbt community are still unfairly treated. For some people it can be really hard to be themselves or find people they might have things in common with and these events are just a fun way of everyone getting together and celebrating something important to them.

I think pride has a much bigger message too- it's about being who you want to be, who you are, and not letting people's prejudices get in the way of that. It shows just how far we have come and sends a good message out.

Of course it won't interest everyone, but these events attract thousands of people and do nothing really to harm the non lgbt community so I don't see the harm in them personally. They do a good job in raising the profile of charities and help remove some of the stigma that sadly still exists for some people. There are still lots of cases where parents disown their children for being gay etc, and events like this hopefully make people more aware.

[Jurv]

I went to my first pride weekend in Manchester last year and I'm hoping to do the same this year too!

@Lewis; Among the celebrations there's also a serious aspect that focuses on issues still present within the LGBT community. Although there's an obvious flamboyancy that comes alongside the event, it's a time for people of all races, sexualities and genders to have a good time and embrace one another whilst also spreading awareness and money for charities that need it most. If it weren't for events like these, attitudes may not have progressed as they have done today. In terms of pride, any attention is good attention

[OldLoveSong]

never been to a parade or anythin because the ones around my city always look and seem inappropriate - seen pictures of people wearing next to nothing in the parades, BDSM clothing, lots of dicks n dild0s clothing/accessories/shaped drinks and food and all that and i just find it bizarre how people can bring children to the parades when its like that.