Politics getting in way of Pride

[Behind the Aegis]

Last year I got the heck out of town during Pride. I "naycotted" and spent the weekend at a friend's cottage in Muskoka. When people asked why, as if scandalized that I could miss the biggest and gayest street party of the year, my answer vacillated between: "I'm proud every day of my life" to, "Pride is like standing in a beer tent with every person you've ever slept with...Unnecessary."

It appears though that this year I'm not the only who's ready to boycott Toronto's Pride Parade&Festival.

Pride has become the latest battleground in the never-ending local play-out of the Israeli-Palestine conflict. While a full-on boycott has yet to be called, lines across the quicksand of Church Street have been drawn.

In some ways the current maelstrom began with the naming of El-Farouk Khaki as the 2009 Grand Marshall. A lawyer and founder of Salaam, a queer Muslim group, Khaki has long been commended for his work in support of Toronto's queer community. The concern over Kahki's appointment was exacerbated in May when he spoke at "Coming Out Against Apartheid," a forum billed as a way to "reignite Toronto's queer community in the fight against apartheid," and hosted by Queers Against Israeli Apartheid (QuAIA), an anti-Zionist group. QuAIA subsequently publicized their participation in the June 28 parade.

more...

[sui generis]

1. there is no way to respond to this

that doesn't make someone who disagrees an "anti-zionist".

Pride is about more than the Grand Marshal's pet projects. It's a shame that anyone would throw all the babies out with the bathwater.

If the grand marshall of the dallas parade supported NAMBLA, I would still attend. There are MANY political organizations that present here - you don't have to subscribe to all of them.

It would like saying you've decided not to be gay because some gays view palestinians as oppressed.

I don't get it - the world has many more colors than the two colors I think you see. You're smart and sensitive, why does everything always boil down to this?

[Behind the Aegis]

2. There is a way to respond to this.

The I/P conflict has NO FUCKING place in a GLBT PRIDE parade! It really is that simple. If the group is not about advancing GLBT rights, then they shouldn't speak out during pride events, except in regards to GLBT issues. What I love is the ones that always see their hate and bigotry is justifiable when it is Israel or Jews and those who are actually interested in the conflict's resolution also know that saying..."there is a time and a place for all things." There is a reason I placed this in GLBT and not I/P, think about it!

[lightningandsnow]

4. What about other political groups?

I marched with a sex workers' rights group in the dyke march. And it was an amazing experience.

And I've seen other political groups there.

I think they all belong, personally. It takes all kinds.

(And, FYI, there was a pro-Israel group there as well. I was at Toronto Pride.)

[Behind the Aegis]

5. Sex workers' rights fall into GLBT issues.

Political groups representing their positions in regards to GLBT rights should be there. And FYI, the pro-Israel group shouldn't have been marching either.

[imdjh]

7. Did the sex workers rights group have a name that was insulting and inflammatory?

[closeupready]

3. Kind of silly, IMHO.

There were all kinds of religion floats yesterday in the parade; I simply refused to wave or smile or applaud, and act like they weren't marching, rather than boycott the parade altogether. Simple as that.

[imdjh]

6. Same rules as a party or a wedding

You're both invited, don't make an ass of yourself, annoy each other, or ruin the party for everyone else.