Speaking Out (of his mind!)	Speaking Out Archive

There was a time not that long ago, as President Reagan once pointed out, when race wasn't an issue. People knew where they fit in, and things ran along smoothly. Women, too, once were happy and fulfilled being wives, mothers, and homemakers. They didn't find it necessary to make strident demands for so-called equal rights. In this bygone period, sex was never a topic discussed he public, in fact, it was a subject rarely discussed at all.

Today, alas, all this has changed. The harmonious working together of society's diverse elements is over. People, it seems, are no longer content to accept their humble place in the scheme of things and work cheerfully along with their betters to make this world a nicer place. Instead, it's "me first," with every weirdo group clamoring for attention and special privilege. It is no wonder my mother refuses to travel any longer on public transportation. There's no telling what kind of outspoken undesirable she might land next to. Which brings me to this month's concern, "gay pride."

I

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've always believed that if you're truly proud of something it should not be necessary to mention it all the time, let alone march in the streets about it. The annual gay pride parade does nothing but expose our community to ridicule by calling attention to itself.

It might be different if whoever is responsible for this thing established some standards. And I suggest starting with a dress code: jackets and ties for the men, and skirts and dresses for the ladies. Without any kind of screening mechanism, these parades become a sorry spectacle .

Men in leather or, even worse, effeminate acting men (some so tasteless that they actually appear for the occasion wearing a dress) and tough-looking women mix in with people who otherwise could easily pass for normal. Permitting characters like these to march just re-enforces the stereotype that gay people aren't straight. We don't need that kind of publicity!

It would be bad enough if this motley crew just quietly walked along their route and behaved themselves. But, of course, some of the groups are so uncouth that they use this occasion to spew forth vile slogans questioning the sexual orientation of family members of the onlookers. Worst of all, many of the chants and signs challenge the authority of the Christian church. This is hardly the way to ingratiate ourselves with the powers that be.

I'm sure I'm speaking for most of the community when I say gay pride should not be a public demonstration but a discreet private awareness. That's why on Saturday, June 8th, I'll do what I've done for the past several years on the day of the gay pride march. I'll take my mother out of town.