Gay Pride was celebrated once again in the streets of America last week as part of June's Gay Pride Month. Here in San Francisco, home of the largest gay parade, this year while some chose to express their political and sexual agenda visually, a different face was trying to be presented. Instead of the usual dominant 'in your face' activist, sexually explicit show, it was 'all about families.'
Many of the participants were dressed in regular clothes, pushing toddlers in strollers, or walking holding hands. The message found in books we've all heard about that are being used in kindergarten and other classrooms, such as 'Heather Has Two Mommies.," found expression as little kids carried signs saying, "I love both my mommies."
The parade did not lack in participation by elected officials. San Francisco Police Chief, Heather Fong, was not only at the parade, but marched in it with some of her officers. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Sgt. Lea Militello said, "This department really does mirror the community we serve...there are so many police departments in the country where officers can't be out of the closet."
The police department also had one of their own at the announcer's booth, who along with the other two announcers, was very affirming of the various parade participants, for instance, drawing attention to certain drag queens as 'she' and how much good they've done, and money they have raised, for the city. Several State Legislators were also in the parade, such as Carole Migden.
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© Sharon Hughes 2005
Hear our show on "Gay Pride" this week (See 7/15/05)
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