So, I've never been to a Pride event before in my entire life. This past weekend was Pride in Seattle and initially I had absolutely no desire to go to any of the events. I always though "why do gay people need a holiday for themselves? I'm fine with being a gay man and not having to shove it in
everyone's faces during some huge event."
Holy shit! What was I thinking?
I had to work Sunday morning during the parade. So many people called out that I ended up getting asked to stay later. The managers helped me out earlier that morning in a situation where I was either going to be extremely late or come in to work wearing non-Gap-appropriate clothes and looking like hell. They chose to have me come in and get myself fixed up (shit, the night before was a once in a lifetime experience but oh so awesome). So, when they asked if I could stay, I said that I would. I was only planning on going to the Seattle Center and catch up with some of my friends but didn't really mind missing the parade.
Throughout the day, I could see some of the festivities from the second floor balcony at our store. While I watched, I realized how much I really did want to be a part of all of that. Who knows, maybe because I was amazed at the show of support, all of the cool floats, or just even being able to be around other people who don't care what my sexual preference is (yeah, Mid-MO still lingers in my veins).
I had to ask my managers if Pride was something that happened every year, and thankfully, they said it did.
Next year, I'm not going to miss it. I'm not just going to hit up the nightlife, but also the day events.
If you want to come with, just give me a buzz.
Some man today yelled this at me while I was walking past him with my friend from college, Jennifer, and her friend from grad school, Nathan.
