Pride

[Myopic Bookworm]

So, our local Pride march and festival is this Saturday. Since some members consider that wearing a skirt must always be regarded as a fully masculine option indicating nothing about one's sexuality or gender identity, should I just wear trousers for the occasion?

Actually I was thinking of wearing a pale blue denim kilt, as it deviates from the boring norm without being marked as either overtly transgender or explicitly gay fashion.

[crfriend]

Wear what you want. That's the whole point. That's why we're trying to break down the barriers, the stereotypes, and the disdain.

What you wear should not really be a signifier of what you are; it should reflect how you feel in the moment. Thus, the simple act of shoving both legs down one pipe should not mean that a man is a wannabe woman.

It's all adornment, ultimately, and clothing is one of the more harmless adornments as it typically comes off at the end off the day -- and one can do something completely different the next day.

[Bertino56]

Gay Pride is a celebration of diversity and inclusion. Wear exactly what you enjoy wearing,
and what you enjoy been seen in. The spirit of the occasion is that nobody will be critical
or judgmental.
I avoided the big San Francisco parade for years, then I was actually in it several times,
marching with organizations I was involved in. I wore ordinary jeans or shorts, nothing special.
If I were to join the parade today, being retired, I would most likely wear some variety of skirt.
Obviously, not everybody in this celebration is "gay," far from it. Costuming and fetishes of every
sort are on full display.

[STEVIE]

Easy, Hell NO!
Unless you actually want to?
Steve.

[Barleymower]

I go with my daughter to Pride events (except here in Reading because she goes with her school friends).
They are generally all about the fun. On that basis I wear whatever is most fun for me; which is mostly a skirt. The only problem is which one?

I'm looking forward to Brighton Pride. We missed it last year but the year before it was totally brilliant.

[timemeddler]

I wouldn't go near one, that's the last kind of association men in skirt needs.

[Mouse]

I wouldn't go near one, that's the last kind of association men in skirt needs.

I think the pride movement has allowed the space for a whole range of minorities to live in a civilised world. Please note, around the world, places where the pride movement is not accepted are probably also tough places for you to wear a skirt.

[timemeddler]

I wouldn't go near one, that's the last kind of association men in skirt needs.

I think the pride movement has allowed the space for a whole range of minorities to live in a civilised world. Please note, around the world, places where the pride movement is not accepted are probably also tough places for you to wear a skirt.

How about Parts of Africa, mens skirts are normal there and pride is basically banned.

[Mouse]

How about Parts of Africa, mens skirts are normal there and pride is basically banned.

I don't know enough about the cultures to presume, however I would be really careful as it is one thing to be thought of as gay here in the UK, and quite another in some countries.

[Uncle Al]

I'm old school. I understand what this thread is discussing but, when I was growing up, pride meant something totally
different. A person took pride in their work or achievements. A person took pride in their community, family.
Parents were proud of their children's achievements, graduating High School or College.
Pride was also the downfall of many people. Their 'pride' caused many others to be ruined.

That's the definition I new and grew up with, not the LGBTQ+ stuff that is being spread around as "Pride".
Now, Pride is to be gay or lesbian, being "inclusive" of all. Not everyone wishes to be associated with "Pride".

Not really my cup of tea/coffee

Uncle Al

[timemeddler]

Come to think of it africa, the middle east, and certain parts of southeast asia, these cultures have mens skirts as normal attire, and homosexuality/genderbender or whatever is not even remotely considered okay.

[Mouse]

Come to think of it africa, the middle east, and certain parts of southeast asia, these cultures have mens skirts as normal attire, and homosexuality/genderbender or whatever is not even remotely considered okay.

Well I am not brave enough to try them out in a skirt. But don't let my lack of courage stop you from going and showing us all that it is perfectly safe for a MIS.

[Jim]

I'm old school. I understand what this thread is discussing but, when I was growing up, pride meant something totally
different.

This is the teaching on pride that I've learned.

pride_1.jpg

[denimini]

Wear what you would normally wear, then you are being yourself.
I sometimes go shopping in Broken Hill during "Broken Heel" week, wearing a mini skirt as usual, and I am sure that most people don't think I am a participant.

Like many words in many languages, they can have different meanings in different contexts. The word pride has a number of meanings; exaggerated self esteem, a group of lions being two examples, and self respect is another which I assume is the one applicable to a group of people who are getting over being shunned and denigrated by society.

[Stu]

To me, pride is an emotion and it has an antonym, i.e. "shame". Both carry hazards. Pride is pleasurable but can give rise to arrogance while shame is a miserable experience. I try to ensure I only give these space in my mind where they relate to my own behaviour and achievements and never to other facts such as innate characteristics like my gender, sexuality, race, nationality - nor to the behaviour of my predecessors, associates or others like me, nor to their achievements, unless I played a direct part.

I am straight, British and male. These are not sources of pride for me, nor do they inspire shame as they are not achievements. I have ancestors, colleagues and countrymen who did great things and some who did wicked things. I take no credit for their actions nor do I take responsibility for them.

With regard to the "Pride" movement, I think at some point they should wind it up. They have won what they wanted and good for them. Being gay etc is like being left-handed - some people just are and nobody really cares. Live your best life and good luck to you! But, while I accept you as valued friends, neighbours, colleagues, I am not one of your number in that regard and I am and part of your movement. Consequently, I will not be displaying rainbow badges on my clothing or elsewhere. And I would make one polite request - when you are celebrating in public places, please be more like the Japanese gay movement and do so in a way that is considerate to the rest of the public sphere and avoid things like nudity and overtly sexual behaviour in public, things I know also make many gay people uncomfortable.