It's that time again my sistahs and brothas: PRIDE! Each year this celebration that symbolizes our freedom and liberation brings a different flava. Whether it's political figures using the event to win new votes, huge floats representing all the major TV news media's in town, or our very own dykes on bikes, or drag queen divas, the flava most definitely is there - buffet style. The parade will definitely leave you sunburned, emotionally exhausted from the excitement, and yet searching for more.
Over the past twenty plus years, I've watched the lesbian and gay communities come together more and more during Pride to make for a memorable event. What I miss though, is the huge Black gathering at Belmont Harbor ( The Rocks, pre-1993ish ) where we really got our party on. This was before all the tents separated us into little housing units. Back then everyone was blended into one huge lesbian/gay/bisexual family, including our children, pets and even some straight family members. We interacted with each other warmly ( even if we were strangers ) , fed each other ( just like after church on Sunday afternoons ) , and looked out for each other - we were "family" ( or, the children ) . It was a huge Black Pride party back then; a family picnic where we played softball while the queens challenged each other in double-dutch. But, all things must come to an end, and all things will experience change, and so it is. Montrose will have to suffice for now. We can make a party anywhere, can't we?
Still, I'm looking for ward to the many Black lesbian events like the: the White Heat party, and the boat cruise after the parade, as well as other diverse or special interest parties that will explode around Chicago. There's something for everyone. So, pick up a calendar of events ( found in various lesbian/gay/bisexual newspapers ) , and mark off some events to fill your Pride month. It's a wonderful feeling to be able to openly and publicly celebrate all aspects of one's identity: Black ( history month ) , womyn ( women's history month ) , and lesbian ( Pride ) : Hey, aren't we supposed to get gifts for Pride? Smile!
One Luv Y'all
vickynabors@hotmail.com
