by Jennifer Matos

In the season of national and world-wide Pride events, a new discussion is brewing. That is, does Pride help us or hurt us?

Taking part in the discussion are members of the LGBT community who are seated on different sides of the rainbow fence.

Critics of Pride events claim that such events place an undue emphasis on sexual orientation. They state that they would like to see less vociferous activism, allowing the GLBT community to access to the more mainstream. Other views are that Pride events cater to homophobic viewpoints. Some observe parades featuring men and women in what they deem indiscreet and immodest displays, as acts that fortify social conservative sentiments that LGBT members are “deviant”. These critics would like to see programming that does not center on sexual orientation as the focal point of one’s identity.

Supporters of Pride events feel that “Pride” is an appreciation and celebration of diversity and further than that, the diversity within diversity. They stress that Pride events feature an array of lifestyles and images from “Dykes on Bikes” to firefighters, health professionals, educators and parents. Pride supporters offer a historical perspective defining the struggle for equality as a civil rights issue. They look at the present and the silence that is still impressed upon the community as well as the fact that the gay community is now joined by so many straight allies—not as voyeurs or “gawkers”—but as fellow supporters. They express a hope that in the future, homosexuals are not showcased by such outlets like the media as social deviants, but as human beings who are deserving of equal rights and representation available to straight constituencies. Advocates for Pride state that Pride is not a display for the media, or to foster homophobia and misunderstanding. Their argument is that Pride is strictly for members and supporters of the LGBT community to celebrate the beauty of their individuality and their unity.

Perhaps these contradictory views underscore the concept of multiplicity within the GLBT community in that even members of the same group can hold differing opinions.