Margate's pride 2007
Unfortunately or maybe even fortunately on Saturday, due to work commitments I was unable to attend Margate's first celebration of gayness (not sure if that's right term), I'm not convinced that the non gay population, were either welcome or invited the organizers website was not too informative.
Still to me it seems a curious concept, to have an event based on sexual preference. Since this is now 2007, I imagine that most of society accepts that homosexuality etc. is part of normal life, therefore I'm not entirely clear, quite what such events are for.
This seems to me to be a hedonistic indulgence, which given the fact we are often informed by the media, that the gay population is generally more affluent than the population as a whole, I wonder why Thanet council amongst others were sponsors of this event.
As a point of principle, I personally do not think that local councils, or any other public body should overtly be promoting any particular lifestyle choices, such events are naturally divisive in my opinion.
What commonsense! Hear hear! Well said, Tony.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll find that the council involvement said more about leveraging the event to promote Margate's regeneration and its support for diversity than a tacit statement of "support" for a particular lifestyle choice which is a personal matter of choice for those involved.
ReplyDeleteGiven the weather, I believe it was a success. Basically, we need to encourage all activities, carnivals, quad bike beach racing, volleyball, raft races.. anything that sensibly contributes to the local economy in terms of attracting tourism
Being gay is not a "lifestyle choice". It is a natural condition, just like heterosexuality. It is ill-informed and demeaning to refer to it as a "lifestyle choice". Having children is a lifestyle choice. Choosing to follow some sort of god is a lifestyle choice.
ReplyDeleteThe present Government has introduced legislation that has indeed created equal rights for those in the LGBT community, and reversed the demonisation of gays perpetrated by the previous Tory Administration. But, as with race, sex, and other forms of discrimination, that does not immediately change culture and behaviours.
Gay men (more than women) continue to be physically attacked simply because of their sexuality. Some continue to be murdered because of their sexuality. And as a recent report showed, gay children in schools suffer extensive bullying.
Events such as Thanet Pride raise awareness of these issues, and begin the task of breaking down barriers, improving levels of understanding, and generating community cohesion. They continue to have a real purpose.
As to whether they should be financially supported by local authorities, lots of groups and events secure local authority funding with only partial community support for the decision. I doubt that will ever change.
I presume from the last comment that Thanet Council's policy is to promote diversity without actually supporting or "endorsing" any of the individual diverse groups or activities it may help financially. An interesting one to watch!
ONEVOICEINTHANET
Make that lifestyle without the choice one voice, perhaps we could have a celebration of one parent families or how about hetro sexuals.
ReplyDeleteAs I said most people accept that homosexuals are a natural part of our community. the thing is do we need to spend public money in promoting what is er natural.
When we have a similar movement promoting other sexual preference then I'll agree that this is a proper use of public money
If you believe heterosexuality is a "lifestyle", then by your own words and standards, so is homosexuality. But most informed people would not class either as simply a "lifestyle".
ReplyDeleteIn suggesting that other groups - heterosexuals and one parent families - should be celebrated with the input of public funding, you are overlooking the specific discrimination that until recently, those in the LGBT community have suffered. And you are ignoring what I have said about the cultural and behavioural challenges that that community still faces.
You presumably feel that it is wrong to use public money to promote awareness of other forms of discrimination - on the grounds of sex, race, and disability to name but three. A lot goes into supporting events for those parts of society. Or are your objections only in relation to "gay pride"?
I suspect your little "er natural" indicates that the latter sentence describes your position. "Nothing wrong with gays as long as they don't come and live next door to me" probably sums you up.
ONEVOICEINTHANET
Tony, good to see that OVIT is putting himself about the blogs and still whining on about Gay matters. It's as if he has stuck in a 70s groove and hasn't realised that Gays have got everything we have asked for in terms of acceptance; equality in the law and civil partnership. Personally I find the 'militant' whining approach tedious and Gay Pride events unnecessary! No wonder the heterosexual members of our community get bored with us with the OVITs of the world not realising how much has changed. Mention Section 28 and get him going on about Maggie!
ReplyDeleteI wonder, Anon 1106, where you - or I - would be without the "whining" as you describe it that "militant gays" have perpetrated. Would you have any of the rights we now have? And, to pick up your invitation, would Section 28 still exist? No, and yes. Perhaps you are content to enjoy your life riding on the back of what others have fought and campaigned for. OK, that's your privilege.
ReplyDeleteAnd perhaps you've never sat in an A&E department with someone who has been the victim of a homophobic attack. If not, then count yourself fortunate.
ONEVOICEINTHANET
Stay cosy, Anon!
ReplyDeleteONEVOICEINTHANET
Having children a 'lifestyle choice?' Yes and No because we will go extinct without having children, it is all that nature has us here for - a collection of cells to reproduce down the eons, anything else is man-made and therefore could be considered a 'lifestyle choice'. There is no God only Nature.
ReplyDelete